The internet explodes after FIA’s new 'misconduct' rules

F1 News

f1 the internet reacts to the fia new misconduct rules and driver bans
23 January at 09:00
Last update 23 January at 09:57
7
  • Olly Darcy
  • Editor

The Formula 1 world was hit by new 'misconduct rules coming from the FIA. 2024 saw a lot of controversy surrounding swearing in FIA press conference and on track, with president Mohammed Ben Sulayem wanting drivers to crack down on the use of bad language, otherwise, punishments and/or fines would be handed out, which led to the Max Verstappen swearing debacle at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. However, new rules from the FIA could see drivers lose points or even be banned for 'misconduct', leading to some fierce criticism on the internet.

In September 2024, Ben Sulayem made a plea to teams and drivers on the grid to reduce the amount of swearing in the sport. However, that came under some heavy criticism from drivers straightaway, with Verstappen being one of them. In the press conference in Singapore, he swore himself, which saw him get a fine from the FIA and also some community service, a huge punishment to show where the FIA stood.

After that, it all unravelled. The Dutchman then refused to answer any questions properly in the FIA press conference for the rest of the weekend. Some days later, the Grand Prix Drivers Association, headed by Geroge Russell, wrote a letter to the FIA and Ben Sulayem to show their disapproval of them amid this controversy, with many drivers saying Verstappen should not do the community service in defiance to the FIA. The Red Bull Racing driver did do it, however, when in Rwanda for the FIA Gala.

The internet has its say on the controversial rules

However, it does not look like the FIA will be dropping this anytime soon, as in January 2025, two months before the 2025 season gets underway, the governing body of the sport has come up with new 'misconduct' rules. In the updated International Sporting Code, used for all FIA-accredited racing, "any 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 motorsport and on the values defended by the FIA," will result in a €10,000 fine.

However, a second offence would then lead to a driver suspension of one month, plus a €20,000 fine too, highlighting how serious the FIA are. But it does not stop there, because, over a two-year period, if there is a third offence, stated as a "failure to comply with the instructions of the FIA regarding the appointment and participation of persons during official ceremonies at any competition counts towards a FIA Championship",  then drivers will be deducted champions points, banned for six months, and also have a €45,000 fine.

It's a hugely controversial move from Ben Sulayem and the FIA, and it is one that has seen people shocked and angered on the internet, baffled by these rules. "Is this a joke?" reads one tweet, while others say they are "not even surprised anymore" in regards to the FIA and their rule-making. It's a hugely contentious rule by the governing body, and it's one that will come under huge scrutiny for many months.

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