One of the controversies that arose last year in Formula 1 revolved around the behavior of the drivers off the track, especially in front of the microphones. Now, the FIA, the regulatory body, has once again sparked controversy with some new regulations.
The new rules of the governing body of the top category of motor sports now establish that F1 drivers could be suspended from races, lose championship points, or be fined for swearing or making political statements that do not adhere to FIA standards.
What do the new FIA regulations say for Formula 1?
The FIA is seeking to "further improve transparency and consistency in decision-making", the organization said in a statement sent via email on Thursday.
The measures, which were published by the FIA on Wednesday, apply to "misconduct," which the governing body defines as including both offensive language and physical aggression, or acts considered to cause "moral harm or loss" to the FIA and motorsport in general.
The new regulations are labeled as a "guide to assist stewards" on penalties and fines starting at 40,000 euros (41,600 dollars) for a Formula 1 driver's first offense.
The standard fine is 10,000 euros, but penalties for F1 drivers are multiplied by four. The next "reprimand" is doubled for a second offense, along with a one-month suspension. A third offense within a two-year period carries a proposed fine of 120,000 euros (125,000 dollars) for an F1 driver, a one-month ban, and the loss of an unspecified number of championship points.
In cases involving political, religious, or personal statements, the FIA regulations also specify that the stewards must demand a "public apology and rejection of the comments."
Unofficial sources have told motorsport journalists that this decision would not please the drivers and could deepen a conflict between them and the governing body. In the previous season, all the drivers on the grid, through their association (GPDA, for its initials in English), criticized the International Automobile Federation for its actions against drivers like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, who were punished for using foul language during the mandatory pre and post-race press conferences held by the FIA.