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

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).

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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.

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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