WRC Drivers Protest FIA Swearing Penalties

The FIA's recent crackdown on swearing, resulting in severe penalties for drivers, has sparked backlash from the motorsport community, particularly within the World Rally Championship (WRC). French driver Adrien Fourmaux was fined €10,000 for using inappropriate language during a post-race interview, the first under the FIA's updated sporting code, which includes escalating fines and potential suspensions for repeat offenses. The World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA) has issued a statement criticizing the penalties as disproportionate and calling for open dialogue with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Drivers argue that common colloquialisms should not be equated to genuine insults, especially considering language barriers and the intense adrenaline of racing. The lack of transparency regarding the use of these fines has also raised concerns, echoing similar frustrations from Formula 1 drivers. WoRDA seeks a collaborative approach with the FIA to address these issues and promote a fairer regulatory environment.