F1 chiefs make major change to controversial swearing punishment after Max Verstappen led furious backlash
FORMULA ONE’s governing body has reduced the penalties for drivers swearing or blasting officials after a huge backlash from the grid.
The maximum sanctions for using X-rated language has been reduced by 50 PER CENT ahead of the sixth race of the season at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.
The ‘base fine’ level for penalties handed out for driver misconduct, including F-bombing, has been halved from €10,000 (£8,430) to “up to” €5,000 (£4,210).
A revised version of the new FIA guidelines issued to stewards on Wednesday has also removed the threat of a race ban.
Drivers have been at loggerheads with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem after he introduced a ONE-MONTH suspension and £100,000 fine for repeat offences in January.
In April, Ben Sulayem – who is up for re-election at the end of the year – said he was considering “improvements” to the rules after Max Verstappen and George Russell accused the FIA of not treating drivers like “adults”.
The new document also differentiates between offences committed in “controlled” and “uncontrolled” zones, which was carried over from a deal that rally drivers reached last month.
This differentiates between things drivers say and do while racing, and in forums such as news conferences, where adrenaline is not a big factor.
The FIA has also softened the rules by allowing stewards to suspend penalties for certain first offences.
It comes two weeks after Mercedes driver Russell, a director of the Drivers’ Association, called for “action” rather than words, after Ben Sulayem had teased this move on his Instagram account.
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Unlucky Ferrari star Charles Leclerc has already forked out a €10,000 fine for letting the F-word slip at the Mexico City Grand Prix in October.
Ben Sulayem said in a statement: “As a former rally driver, I know first hand the range of emotions that are faced during competition.
“The improvements the FIA has announced to Appendix B will ensure we continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motorsport, while also giving stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may bring the sport into disrepute.
“The FIA will always be committed to ensuring motor sport is accessible for all our sporting family.”
The initial decision to introduce heavy fines comes after world champion Verstappen was forced to do the F1 equivalent of community service after swearing in Singapore last year.
The paddock heads to the iconic Imola this week for the start of a European triple-header which could dictate the path of the title race.
After making it four wins from six, Oscar Piastri has a 16-point advantage over McLaren team-mate Lando Norris, with Verstappen 32 points adrift of the Australian and Russell 38 points back.