
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has just unveiled new sanctioning guidelines for drivers of Formula 1. With heavy fines, suspensions and even points deductionsThe federation seems determined to muzzle drivers and control their every move...
The politics of financial terror
The new rules are clear: for the 2025 season, every driver will be walking on eggshells. The first offence of "bad driving" will be immediately punishable by a €40,000 fine. But that's just the beginning. The second offence sees the bill rise to €80,000, with a one-month suspended sentence. The third? A €120,000 hit, an effective suspension and a penalty of several points in the championship.
In addition to fines, the FIA can also :
- Suspend access to paddock areas
- Prohibit access to media zones
- Ban official ceremonies
FIA definition of "misconduct
The FIA has deliberately created a broad and potentially arbitrary regulatory framework. The following are now subject to sanctions:
- Use of language considered offensive
- Gestures deemed inappropriate
- Physical aggression
- Comments perceived as politically or personally inappropriate
These rules echo recent tensions, notably with Max Verstappen. The Dutch champion had already publicly expressed his annoyance after being forced to perform a public service in Rwanda following remarks deemed inappropriate. For example, it was forbidden to swear during a press conference.
Justice without appeal or recourse
The ultimate coup: protests against stewards' decisions are now declared inadmissible. The FIA thus becomes judge and jury.
The aim is clear: to shape drivers' behavior, control their every public expression and impose draconian discipline. More than ever, Formula 1 drivers will have to watch their language, gestures and emotions before, during and after a race.
Motor sport, traditionally celebrated for its passion and authentic emotions, now seems to be turning into an ultra-formatted environment where the slightest deviation can be very costly. Will the FIA succeed in its gamble on "professionalization", or does it risk sterilizing one of the world's most popular sports? How will the drivers react? On whom will the first sanction fall?
For the moment, the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association) has declined to comment. The 2025 Formula 1 season promises to be explosive, both on the track and behind the scenes.
The pilots become Mr Ben's camels. It's like being in the desert. Come on, woman, let's go home.
It's a bit ridiculous about the language of pilots.
Fuck the FIA and politically correct language according to arbitrary rules.
I totally agree with you, it's no longer F1, it's a schoolyard where one judge decides everything.
For me, no more interviews, for the FIA complete silence...the risk is soon greater than on the track...This gentleman has got a big head and imagines he's talking to children. Thousands of dollars claimed from people who risk their lives for the love of the sport... judged by "civil servants" at Ben Machin's beck and call!
Just one question: where's the SPORT in that?
Georges Orwell enters F1! After Monsieur H....'s wokism, we're looking forward to the 2025 season.
I've been in F1 for 50 years.what a shame,everything is becoming insipid.too many ridiculous regulations.....
F1 drivers are men who need to express themselves both on and off the track, so let's stop making them children.
I want fights, tears, laughter and fucks.