After countless controversies and jokes from drivers about a rather unusual rule, the FIA has once again updated the regulations on “bad language.”
Saying something like “f*** off” in a press conference—whether you’re 18 like Kimi Antonelli or 42 like Fernando Alonso—has resulted in fines in Formula 1 for some years now. And no, it’s not a joke: due to an FIA regulation, drivers have not been allowed to swear.
However, starting from the Imola Grand Prix, the rule will thankfully become more lenient. Penalties will still exist, but they’ll be reduced.
FIA’s new rules on swearing: what’s changing
The Federation has made changes to Appendix B of the International Sporting Code, specifically regarding “bad words”:
1. The maximum base fine has been halved, dropping from €10,000 to €5,000. However, in FIA World Championships—where repeat offenses previously led to escalating fines—reductions may be even more significant.
2. Stewards will now be allowed to suspend penalties for certain types of infractions, provided it’s the driver’s or team’s first offense.
3. With the updated Appendix B, stewards will be able to distinguish between controlled and uncontrolled environments, allowing for more balanced judgment of language used in different contexts.
4. Controlled environments include situations like official press conferences, while uncontrolled environments refer to spontaneous comments made on the track or during events like rallies.
5. Mitigating circumstances will still be taken into account, and new guidelines will be introduced to ensure greater consistency and fairness in decisions.
6. Abuse toward FIA officials will no longer result in simple fines but will now lead to sporting penalties, aligning motorsport with the standards of other major global sports organizations.
7. Lastly, racist or discriminatory remarks will continue to be met with zero tolerance, as outlined in existing regulations.
Photo: Formula 1