F1 drivers face fines, bans, and penalties for ‘misconduct’ under new FIA regulations

An updated Appendix to the FIA International Sporting Code puts drivers — in particular Formula 1 drivers — at risk for significant fines and even penalty points deductions for “misconduct” in the season ahead.

In an updated Appendix B to the FIA’s International Sporting Code, drivers now face escalating fines, race bans, and even penalty points deductions for a variety of conduct, including “misconduct” as defined in the Sporting Code. The potential penalties include an escalating scale based on the series, with the heaviest fines reserved for F1 drivers.

Under the new Appendix B, drivers will be penalized for “[a]ny words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally on the interest of motor sport and on the values defended by the FIA.” The penalty for the first offense is a fine of €10,000. The penalty for a second offense is a €20,000 fine plus a one-month suspension, which will be suspended. A third offense under the new Article 12.2.1.f is a €30,000 fine, a one-month suspension, and a “deduciton of Championship points.”

Here is where we note that the base fines are multiplied the higher up in the motorsport ranks, with F1 drivers facing a “multiple of 4” for each base fine. Therefore a first offense under this section would carry a €40,000 fine, and a third offense a €120,000 fine.

Under Article 12.2.1.l drivers now face those same three penalties for any “misconduct,” which is defined in Article 20 of the ISC as:

“[t]he general use of language (written or verbal), gesture and/or sign that is offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive and might reasonably be expected or be perceived to be coarse or rude or to cause offense, humiliation or to be inappropriate; assaulting (elbowing, kicking, punching, hitting, etc.); or, incitement to do any of the above.”

Drivers also are barred under Article 12.2.1.n from making “[a]ny public incitement to violence or hatred,” with the potential penalties the same as those already outlined.

Under Article 12.2.1.0, drivers are barred from “[t]he general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction.” Under this section, the first such offense carries a €10,000 fine plus a “public apology and repudiation of comments.” The fine may be suspended in certain cases.

A second offense under this section carries a €20,000 fine plus a public apology and repudiation of comments, plus a one-month suspension, which is suspended. A third such offense carries a €30,000 fine, plus a public apology and repudiation of the comments, plus a one-month suspension, and a deduction of Championship points.

And remember, F1 drivers face fines that are multiplied by four, so a third offense under this section would carry a fine of €120,000.

The final category of misconduct is governed by Article 12.2.1.p, defined as a “[f]ailure to comply with the instructions of the FIA regarding the appointment and participation of persons during official ceremonies at any Competition counting towards a FIA Championship.” The first such violation carries a fine of €15,000, while the second such offense carries a fine of €30,000 plus suspension of access to “Reserved Area(s) of event for next event.”

A third offense carries a €45,000 fine plus suspension of access to “Reserved Area(s)” for six months, plus a deduction of Championship points.

Again, these fines are multiplied by four for F1 drivers.

Fines for misconduct were a massive talking point during the 2024 F1 season. Yuki Tsunoda was fined €40,000 — half of which was suspended — for using an ableist slur while speaking on his team radio. Charles Leclerc was fined €10,000, with half of it suspended, for swearing during an FIA Press Conference during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Then there was the saga involving Max Verstappen, who was ordered to perform public service for the FIA in Rwanda after swearing during the pre-race press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen was subsequently curt during several following FIA press conferences, at one point holding an impromptu presser with assembled media away from the official FIA press conference.

That saga prompted a letter from the Grand Prix Drivers Association to the FIA demanding the sport’s governing body treat them like “adults.” Speaking to the media, including SB Nation, ahead of the United States Grand Prix in October George Russell, the Director of the GPDA, indicated such a letter would be coming.

“Between the drivers a lot has been spoken regarding, you know, swearing. It does seem a little bit silly that it has come to this,” began Russell in October. “I mean, we’ve yet to speak with the FIA as of yet but we hope to do so probably next week, maybe, in Mexico.

“But collectively, we’re all on the same page. I think, yeah, next week we’ll probably formally put something towards you guys to read from the drivers.”

Russell even gave a preview of what today’s letter might contain.

“Generally speaking, we don’t wanna be taking away the heat of the moment, emotions that drivers show during racing. I think it is down to maybe the broadcast when it comes to the race to choose if they want to broadcast that or not. It is very challenging for some drivers. When you have a microphone, you’re talking with your team during the middle of battle,” said Russell.

“But equally if it’s in an environment like this, maybe we have a duty just to be conscious of our words.”

As of yet there has been no response from any current F1 drivers, or the GPDA, regarding these changes to the Sporting Code.