Formula 1 drivers are on edge as the FIA implement new misconduct rules for the 2025 season which could lead to month long race bans. 

The motorsport world was in shock at the FIA’s new rules for the 2025 season, as a result of the issues of swearing that came to light at the end of the 2024 season with Max Verstappen gaining community service over swearing during the Singapore race week which later led to the Dutch driver refusing to speak in the after race FIA press conference in an act of a protest with other drivers commenting on the absurdity around the community service.  

The drivers then took to Instagram by setting up the Grand Prix Drivers Association account to talk about the issue and to talk out against the FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, with their first and only statement at this current time:  

“We urge the FIA President to also consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise. Further, our members are adults, they do not need to be given instructions via the media, about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewellery and underpants.” 

This statement came with no official response from the FIA. 

January 22, 2025 

The motorsports world was in outrage as the announcement of the new misconduct rules for 2025 became known. The new adaptation of rules seem to be harsher than what most motorsport drivers face with F1 drivers getting a multiplier on these new rules with each breach coming in three stages.  

Article 12.2.1.f ISC 

“Any words, deeds or writings that have cause 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 first offence on breaking this act starts off with Є10,000, 

The second offence continuing with Є20,000 plus a one month suspension – which is suspended and the third offence finishing with Є30,000 plus one month suspension plus a deduction of Championship points.  

Article 12.2.1.i ISC 

“Any misconduct. Misconduct is defined under Article 20 of the ISC.” 

The first offence is Є10,000 with the second offence being Є20,000 plus a one month suspension – which is suspended and the third offence being Є30,000 plus one month suspension and a deduction of championship points.  

Article 12.2.1.n ISC 

“Any public incitement to violence or hatred.” 

The first offence of this is Є10,000 with the second offence being Є20,000 also with a month suspension – which is suspended with the third offence again being Є30,000 plus one month suspension plus a deduction of Championship points.  

Article 12.2.1.o ISC 

“The 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 Statues, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for international Competitions or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction.” 

The first offence is Є10,000 plus a public apology and repudiation of comments with the chance of the fine being suspended. The second offence is Є20,000 plus a public apology and repudiation of comments plus a one month ban which is suspended. Finally, the third offence is Є30,000 plus a public apology and repudiation of comments plus a one month suspension and a deductions of Championship points.  

Article 12.2.1.p ISC 

“Failure 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 offence of this is Є15,000 with the second offence being Є20,000 plus a suspension of access to reserved area/areas of even for next event. Lastly the third offence is Є45,000 plus a suspension of access to reserved areas/areas of even for six months and a deduction of Championship points.  

Backlash 

After these new rules were announced the motorsports world was outraged. Many fans were in disgust over the FIA trying to gain such control over motorsport drivers that are mostly adults especially in F1. F1 drivers, as stated earlier, have previously voiced their frustrations to the FIA of being treated unfairly and not like adults for trying to ‘control’ the drivers and enforce rules onto them that were deemed unfair and in return of that the FIA have now clamped down on these rules that now come into effect across the other FIA motorsport series.  

F2 Rodin motorsport driver, Christian Mansell who is loved around the community for speaking out and advocating for different causes shared his opinions around the matter on X: 

“I’ll never stop fighting for what I believe in. This just makes it harder, but don’t think for a second I’ll be shying away.”  

Further on with the matter, BBC Sports writer Andrew Benson interviewed a select group of people who work or are in association with the FIA: 

“One source said it was pushed through on a ‘snap e-vote and with no consultation with other stakeholders or the GPDDA or the FIA’s own drivers’ commission.’ – Another said it was ‘not right’ to act in this way and questioned why this could not have been scheduled for discussion at the next meeting of the World Motorsports Council.” 

As of now the motorsport world is waiting for what action F1 drivers will take and if another statement with appear on the GPDA Instagram account surrounding the matter of the FIA and the FIA President of what steps the F1 drivers will take to combat the new rule regulations.