The new FIA rules introduced significant updates to the International Sporting Code (ISC) yesterday. These changes, aimed at regulating drivers’ behaviour both on and off the track, have raised eyebrows for their strictness.
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Context of The New FIA Rules
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem signalled his intent to tighten regulations surrounding driver conduct late last year. This came after incidents involving Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. Verstappen was assigned a day of community service for his actions during the Singapore Grand Prix Press Conference. Leclerc received a fine for a similar incident in Mexico.
The FIA’s hardline approach became evident when Ben Sulayem commented in an Autosport.com interview that motorsport was not “rap music,” calling on drivers to be cautious of their language. This statement drew backlash, with drivers like Lewis Hamilton criticizing its racial undertones.
“I don’t like how he’s expressed it, saying ‘rappers’ is very stereotypical. And most rappers are Black,” Hamilton remarked. “That was the wrong choice of words. There’s a racial element there.”
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The Missconduct Rules Updated In ISC Guidelines
The FIA’s statement regarding the updated ISC guidelines emphasizes clarity for stewards when addressing violations. The FIA also clarified that the decision was at the steward’s discretion and depended on mitigating or aggravating factors. The new Appendix B guidelines outline specific fines and penalties for breaches of certain articles:
- Article 12.2.1.f: “Any words, deeds, or writings that have caused moral injury or loss…”
- Base Fine: €10,000
- Second Offense: Fine doubled (€20,000) and a suspended one-month ban.
- Article 12.2.1.l: “Any Misconduct” – defined in Article 20 ISC.
- Base Fine: €10,000
- Second Offense: Fine doubled and a suspended one-month ban.
- Article 12.2.1.n: “Any public incitement to violence or hatred.”
- Base Fine: €10,000
- Second Offense: Fine doubled and a suspended one-month ban.
- Article 12.2.1.o: “The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements…”
- Base Fine: €10,000 and a public apology (fine potentially suspended).
- Second Offense: Fine doubled, suspended one-month ban, and a public apology.
- Article 12.2.1.p: “Failure to comply with the instructions of the FIA regarding the appointment and participation of persons during official ceremonies…”
- Base Fine: €15,000
- Second Offense: Suspension from Reserved Areas for six months.
Moreover, since the F1 World Championship is a level four sport, the base fine will be multiplied by four (i.e. €40,000). The big controversy in the guidelines is the deduction of Championship points, on the third offence, for breaches of all Articles above.
“In Line with Other Sports”
Ben Sulayem has long held the belief that Motorsport needs to get more in line with the principles founded by other governing sporting bodies such as the NFL and FIFA. The NFL applies fines on players who are verbally abusive to officials or NFL representatives.
This a big distinction with the FIA guidelines as they suggest any form of words, deeds or writing that may cause a loss to the sport at large will be considered misconduct and thus fined. The fines being administered would not necessarily need to be in response to a player’s retaliation against an official.
Another stark difference is the consultative process. The NFL’s guidelines are a product of negotiations between the league and the NFL Players’ Association. In contrast, the FIA’s changes appear to have been made unilaterally, without recent discussions with the drivers.
FIA v Grand Prix Drivers’ Association
Tensions between the FIA and drivers have been simmering for some time. In November 2024, the GPDA published an open letter on social media criticizing FIA regulations. This was in response to the lack of driver consultation regarding Verstappen and Leclerc’s incidents.
The new FIA rules mark a decisive, albeit controversial, shift in the governance of motorsport. The strive for professionalism is clear, however, the harsh penalties have raised concerns about the sport’s power dynamics.
As the 2025 season approaches, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect the relationship between drivers and the FIA.
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