The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has decided to take a radical turn in its disciplinary policy for the 2025 season, introducing an unprecedented framework of penalties that promises to completely reshape driver behavior in Formula 1. The catalyst for this new strategy was last season’s controversy involving Max Verstappen, who was penalized for using inappropriate language during a press conference. The incident highlighted the need to establish clearer and stricter boundaries for athletes’ behavior. This decision not only aims to regulate language but also to set a precedent for professional conduct and the responsibilities drivers bear as public figures and sporting icons.
The new rules send a clear and forceful message: zero tolerance for any behavior the FIA deems inappropriate or potentially harmful to the sport’s image. From offensive language to disrespectful gestures, drivers will have to measure every expression carefully, under threat of financial penalties that could seriously impact their sporting aspirations. This shift reflects a profound cultural change in motorsport, where a certain degree of expressiveness and confrontation has traditionally been tolerated but is now being replaced by new standards of communication and respect.
A NEW CODE OF CONDUCT
The FIA’s newly designed sanction system is tiered and heavily punitive, employing an escalating mechanism to deter inappropriate behavior. A first offense could cost €40,000, with the amount doubling for repeat offenses, potentially accompanied by a one-month suspension. A third violation could result in fines of up to €120,000, effective suspension, and the loss of championship points, representing a significant blow not only to the driver but potentially to their entire team.
The new regulations extend beyond language, covering gestures, signals, and any behavior the FIA deems inappropriate. Drivers are now restricted not only in their verbal expressions but also in their overall conduct, both on and off the track. Criticism of the organization, protests against stewards, or even non-compliance with official ceremonies will be strictly penalized, making this season a true proving ground for discipline in motorsport. This transformation aims not only to regulate behavior but also to educate the next generation of drivers on the importance of respect, professionalism, and the sport’s image.