F1 drivers risk suspensions and points deductions under new FIA rules

The FIA has introduced severe 'misconduct' penalties which could see F1 drivers handed bans and championship points deductions in 2025.

The new guidelines arm stewards with the power to dole out significant fines for the first offence of indiscretions such as swearing or speaking out against the governing body.

After that point, however, the extremity of the punishments ramps up substantially, something that is unlikely to go down well with drivers across FIA championships, including those racing in F1.

Tensions between the two parties reached a crescendo towards the end of last season, the catalyst of which was FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem making provocative public remarks about swearing and Max Verstappen using the F-word in a press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.

As a result, relations became increasingly strained over the weekend at the Marina Bay Circuit and in the subsequent weeks.

It culminated with the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) releasing a statement condemning Ben Sulayem's conduct and use of the press as a mouthpiece through which to communicate with them.

A few months on from that saga, the feud looks poised to be re-engaged after the FIA's international sporting code (ISC) for the 2025 season was officially published.

In the updated document, Appendix B lays out the new guidelines for stewards. Previously, that specific appendix was pertaining to the FIA's 'code of good conduct'.

The ISC has been amended to reflect the change, with the document now tailored towards the five specific breaches outlined in Appendix B.

The guidelines from Appendix B - Stewards Penalty Guidelines - of the FIA ISC is presented below, after which the article continues.

What the FIA regulations mean and say

Specifically, the punishments are related to Article 12.2.(1) - Breach of Rules -  of the ISC and sub-sections f), l), n), o) and p).

Crucially, the document includes a multiplier for the harshness of the financial penalty listed for first instances. This means F1 drivers will have to pay four times the amount suggested for the base fines.

In addition to the previously mentioned sub-sections, "any misconduct" can now be penalised under the new guidelines, which is laid out under Article 20 of the ISC.

Within that section, "misconduct" is defined as and "to be understood in particular but not limited to: the general use of language (written or verbal), gesture and/or sign that is offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive and might reasonably be expected or be perceived to be coarse or rude or to cause offense, humiliation or to be inappropriate."

This also includes: "Assaulting (elbowing, kicking, punching, hitting, etc.); and incitement to do any of the above."

Critically, the guidelines laid out in Appendix B clearly state that "Stewards retain the discretion to take into account any mitigating and/or aggravating circumstances as well as the nature and location of the Event, to tailor the penalty to the specific situation."

This provision could therefore be key in determining how strictly the new suggestions are followed, which is of particular consequence given the gravity of the prescribed punishments for second and third offences, namely suspensions and points deductions.

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