The FIA announced significant changes to its sporting regulations today. With this revision, the international motorsport federation aims to adopt a fairer and more realistic approach to disciplinary penalties. This is generally good news for Formula 1 drivers, although they may still face sporting sanctions for so-called disrespectful behavior.
The most noticeable change is the halving of the maximum fine that stewards can impose for violations: from €10,000 to €5,000. This applies to all FIA world championships, including Formula 1.
Another notable change is that a distinction will now be made between drivers’ statements in ‘controlled’ and ‘uncontrolled’ environments. In other words, the FIA now recognizes that a driver who says something in the heat of the moment immediately after a race should be judged differently than when they speak out in a press conference or interview. According to the FIA, this will help the stewards to make more nuanced judgments.
FIA steward Garry Connelly said, “This gives stewards the tools to better differentiate between incidents on and off the track. Of course, it remains important that we continue to be fair, but there is now more room for context and mitigating circumstances.”
Sporting Penalties for Disrespectful Behavior
Another new development is that insulting or intimidating officials will no longer be punished with a monetary fine, but with a sporting sanction, such as a time penalty or grid penalty. This aligns motorsport with other major sports organizations such as FIFA and the NFL. Racist or discriminatory remarks will continue to be dealt with severely.
The changes will take effect after approval by the World Motor Sport Council via an e-vote.
