During last season’s Singapore Grand Prix, Max Verstappen aired his profane thoughts surrounding the Red Bull Racing’s RB20 car. Photo: AFP
Formula One drivers will now be liable to pay hefty fines if they contravene the FIA’s moral and misconduct clauses spelt out in the revised stewards’ penalty guidelines.
The newly updated governing document was released on Wednesday, with specific amendments to Article 12 of the International Sporting Code (ISC). The new laws work on a three offence system, where drivers are first asked to pay a fine between €10 000 and €15 000 (between R193 000 and 290 000), depending on the offence.
Thereafter, consequences include bigger fines and eventually a month-long suspension and even a deduction of championship points. These new regulations come after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s decision to clamp down on the vulgar diction some drivers have used in the past.
During last season’s Singapore Grand Prix, Max Verstappen aired his profane thoughts surrounding the Red Bull Racing’s RB20 car.
Verstappen had to take part in a community service project in Rwanda as part of his sentence. Charles Leclerc also swore in a press conference, but apologised afterwards and only paid a fine.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, which represents the F1 drivers, then issued a statement to Sulayem instructing him to check his tone when addressing their members. But the FIA has stood firm and issued its reply in the form of a revised Section 12.
Breakdown of new FIA amendments to Section 12 of the ISC:
According to Article 12.2.1.f ISC, any words, deeds or writings that cause moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, members and executives or the values of motorsport defended by the FIA is considered an offence.
First offence costs a driver €10 000, the second costs €20 000 and 1 month suspension which is suspended. The third offence costs €30 000 (about R580 000), a month suspension and deduction of points.
The above mentioned structure works the same for contraventions including Misconduct, which is defined under Article 20 of the ISC, as well as public incitement to violence or hatred.
The makings of a political or religious statement or any personal statement in violation of FIA statutes will cost drivers €10 000 and a public apology. Although the fine may be suspended.
A second offence will cost €20 000, a public apology, retraction of comments and a month suspension which is suspended. The third offence costs €30 000, public apology and retraction of comments, a month-long suspension as well as deduction of points.
The most costly new fines are found under Article 12, section 2.1.p, which dictate to a driver about the failure to comply with instructions regarding appointment and participation of persons during official ceremonies at any competition.
One offence will cost a driver a €15 000 fine, the second, €30 000 and suspension of access to reserved areas of the next or the event. The third offence will cost €45 000, restriction from reserved areas for 6 months and deduction of championship points.