FIA strikes hard: Stricter ‘misconduct’ guidelines threaten F1 drivers

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Formula 1 drivers are facing a stricter sporting code regime in 2025, as the FIA has issued new guidelines with harsher penalties for misconduct.

The fresh guidelines, outlined in Appendix B of the 2025 International Sporting Code, detail specific punishments for breaches of various rules, including hefty fines, suspensions, and even championship point deductions.

The move marks a significant shift in the FIA's approach to driver conduct. Previously, Appendix B served as a general code of conduct.

Prescribed Penalties with Multipliers for Formula 1

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of standardized penalties for "causing moral injury or loss to the FIA" or its officials, as outlined in subsection f).

A first offence carries a base fine of €10,000. However, for Formula 1, a tiered multiplier of four is applied to all base fines, meaning F1 drivers could face €40,000 for a first offence, €80,000 for a second offence (plus a suspended one-month suspension), and €120,000 for a third offence (accompanied by a one-month suspension and deduction of championship points).

Read also: Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

The same penalty structure applies to other breaches, such as:

Public incitement to violence or hatred, misconduct, defined in Article 20 as offensive, insulting, or abusive language, as well as acts of incitement or assault.

An example of this rule's application was the fine issued to Max Verstappen for swearing during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend last year, which triggered widespread criticism from drivers.

Regulations	1st Offence	2nd Offence	3rd Offence
Article 12.2.1.f ISC: Any words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally on the interest of motor sport and on the values defended by the FIA.	€10,000	€20,000 plus one-month suspension –which is suspended.	€30,000 plus one-month suspension plus deduction of championship points.
Article 12.2.1.l ISC: Any Misconduct. Misconduct is defined under Article 20 of the ISC.	€10,000	€20,000 plus one-month suspension –which is suspended.	€30,000 plus one-month suspension plus deduction of championship points.
Article 12.2.1.n ISC: Any public incitement to violence or hatred.	€10,000	€20,000 plus one-month suspension – which is suspended.	€30,000 plus one-month suspension plus deduction of championship points.
Article 12.2.1.o ISC: The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction.	€10,000 plus public apology and repudiation of comments. Fine may be suspended.	€20,000 plus public apology and repudiation of comments plus one month suspension – which is suspended.	€30,000 plus public apology and repudiation of comments plus one month suspension plus deduction of championship points.
Article 12.2.1.p ISC: Failure to comply with the instructions of the FIA regarding the appointment and participation of persons during official ceremonies at any competition counting towards a FIA championship.	€15,000	€30,000 plus suspension of access to Reserved Area(s) of event for next event.	€45,000 plus suspension of access to Reserved Area(s) of event for six months plus deduction of championship points.

Statements and Neutrality

The FIA has also doubled down on its principle of neutrality, targeting breaches under subsection o).

This subsection addresses "the general making and display of political, religious, and personal statements or comments," requiring offenders to issue a public apology and repudiation of comments in addition to paying fines and facing potential suspensions.

Stewards Retain Discretion

While the guidelines outline specific penalties, they emphasize that FIA stewards retain the authority to determine penalties based on the nature of the incident. The guidelines note:

“Stewards have the authority to decide what penalty to enforce and retain the discretion to take into account any mitigating and/or aggravating circumstances as well as the nature and the location of the event.”

Driver Frustration with FIA Leadership

There’s been no love lost between F1’s drivers – represented by the GPDA – and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem over the past few months.

The updated code is therefore likely to exacerbate tensions between the two camps.

The enforcement of such rules has previously drawn ire from drivers, with many expressing concerns over how incidents are policed.

As Formula 1 prepares for the 2025 season, the revised code sets the stage for potential clashes between drivers and the governing body, raising questions about the balance between discipline and freedom of expression in the sport.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.