FIA Reduces F1 Swearing Fines, Introduces Sporting Penalties for Abuse

The FIA has significantly relaxed its penalties on swearing and misconduct by drivers in Formula 1 and other motorsports following widespread criticism. The base fine for swearing has been reduced from €10,000 to €5,000, with stewards now allowed to suspend penalties for first-time offenses and consider mitigating circumstances. A key change is the distinction between 'controlled environments' (such as press conferences) and 'non-controlled environments' (like on-track or rally stages), with harsher penalties reserved for the latter. While fines for general misconduct have decreased, abuse directed at officials can now lead to sporting penalties such as grid penalties rather than just fines. These changes come after tensions between drivers, including Max Verstappen, and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who acknowledged the emotional nature of competition and led the collaborative review of the rules. The revisions aim to balance promoting sportsmanship while giving stewards clearer and more flexible guidelines to prevent moral damage to the sport.