More controversy in F1: a driver could be banned for a month for swearing and attention to criticism against the FIA

More wood. If last year a big controversy was already generated by the penalty against Verstappen and the obligation to carry out community work for swearing at a press conference, the FIA ​​​​is one more step to remove swearing from those drivers’ radio and his media appearances applying controversial changes to the recently published Sports Code.

The International Automobile Federation has updated the document that adds new and stricter penalties for those who use obscene language, but more importantly, the point at which penalties are indicated for drivers who are “morally attacking” the FIA ​​in their actions is remarkable. In this sense, economic and sports sanctions were added, with suspensions and reduction of points in the championship, something completely new and remarkable.

The Sports Code adds penalties in cases where article 12 is violated, which refers to misconduct by participants. Misbehavior is defined as “the general use of language (written or verbal), actions and/or signs that are offensive, insulting, rude, disrespectful or abusive and can be expected or perceived as rude or disrespectful , or which causes offence, embarrassment or impropriety”. In this sense, inappropriate behavior is also added to the fact of “attacking (elbowing, kicking, punching, hitting, etc.) and inciting people to do any of the above things. “

But in addition, attention is drawn to the possibility of significant penalties to be imposed for harsh criticism of the FIA ​​for “any word, act or writing that has caused moral injury or damage to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its director. , and more generally in the interests of motor sport and the values ​​defended by the FIA ​​and any public incitement to violence or hatred.

Possible penalties: financial fines and penalty points

Financial penalties for F1 drivers who breach this point will be much harsher. If a violation of those detailed above is committed, the fine will be 10,000 euros, an amount that will increase to 20,000 if it is repeated and up to 30,000 for the third time that said violation is committed. This will apply to FIA competitions, but in the case of F1 the penalties will be greater due to greater visibility: in the case of F1, the numbers are four times, with a first penalty of 40,000 euros for F1 drivers that can reach 100,000 euros. if you do it a third time.

But that’s not all. Very severe sports penalties are set. If the pilot is a repeat offender and commits the offense for the second time, he may be subject to a conditional suspension of one month. If the driver violates the regulations for the third time, the penalty is even worse: the loss of points in the F1 World Championship, although the number of points to be removed is not set.

Talking about politics is forbidden

The FIA ​​also does not want its drivers to show their position in relation to political ideologies. It refers to “the making and public display of political, religious and personal statements or comments that significantly violate the general principle of neutrality upheld by the FIA ​​under its laws, unless they have been approved in writing by the FIA in the case of international competitions, or of the respective National Sports Authorities (federations of each country) in the case of national competitions within their jurisdiction.” Pilots who violate this point are required to make a public apology for their comments, regretting their position and words.

Fines and penalties are also imposed for issues related to “failure to comply with FIA instructions in relation to the designation and participation of persons in official ceremonies in any competition qualifying for an FIA championship.”