FIA Halves Driver Language Fines After Backlash

The FIA has halved the maximum fines for driver misconduct such as swearing or criticizing officials, reducing the penalty for a first offense from €10,000 to €5,000. The threat of race bans for repeated language infractions has been removed, and stewards now have greater discretion in applying penalties, including the ability to distinguish between controlled and uncontrolled environments. Multipliers for top-level drivers and automatic increases for repeat offenses have been eliminated. Fines for serious breaches, such as incitement to violence or discriminatory remarks, remain significantly higher. These revisions, announced after backlash from Formula 1 and rally drivers, reflect the FIA's response to criticism of stricter rules introduced in January 2025. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the changes promote fairness and uphold sportsmanship while maintaining discipline in motorsport.