Last week, the FIA revisited its regulations on foul language. Under the leadership of Chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the organization threatened this year with hefty fines and sporting penalties for verbal outbursts from drivers. The rules were critically received, but even now that the penalties have been significantly relaxed, there is still dissatisfaction. Max Verstappen refers to it as a ‘good start’ for the FIA.
In the run-up to the GP of Emilia-Romagna and a new triple header, the sanctions for foul language have been adjusted again. The maximum fine that stewards can impose has been halved, and a clear distinction is now made between drivers’ statements in ‘controlled’ and ‘uncontrolled’ environments. Furthermore, insulting or intimidating officials will now be punished with a sporting sanction – think of a time penalty or grid penalty – instead of a fine.
Max Verstappen calls the relaxed regulations a “good start” for the FIA. “I’m glad they realize that the previous sanctions were too aggressive,” he told the media in Imola. “The regulations were just that: too aggressive. So this is a good start,” he referred to the adjusted rules.
‘Ridiculous rules’
“It’s ridiculous,” said Lewis Hamilton. “I really don’t know anymore. Nothing I say seems to make any difference. It’s becoming a bit of a mess at the moment. There are certainly many changes needed, but at the same time, I have little to do with it. I don’t really feel like anything has changed in the past few months.”
Reactions from the Racing Community
Former teammate and chairman of the drivers’ union, George Russell, was also critical. “We’re talking about a situation where things have been rolled back because they were a bit ridiculous in the first place,” he stated. “Of course, we’re glad that something has changed, but at the same time, these rules should never have been there, if you understand what I mean. So it feels a bit wrong to thank the FIA for these adjustments. Moreover, we still haven’t had any contact with the top of the FIA. So yes, it all seems a bit suspicious.”
Max Verstappen considers the recent rule changes by the FIA a ‘good start’.
