F1 Drivers Revolt Against FIA’s Strict Swearing Ban and Heavy Penalties
Formula 1 is no stranger to controversy, but the FIA’s latest rule changes have ignited a firestorm among drivers. A new “swearing codex,” introduced under FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has left many in the paddock outraged. The rule imposes heavy fines and suspensions for drivers who use profanity or insult officials, both on and off the track. With emotions running high in a sport that demands peak performance at 350 km/h, the move is being widely criticized as excessive and out of touch with the realities of racing.
Under the new system, the first offense results in a staggering $440,000 fine. A second infraction leads to an $880,000 penalty and a one-month suspended suspension. By the third violation, drivers will face a $1.22 million fine, an active suspension, and even a deduction of championship points. These penalties are unprecedented in F1 history and have been met with resistance from drivers who feel they were not properly consulted before the rule’s implementation.
One of the first to speak out was Alex Albon, who revealed that discussions about the rule took place behind closed doors. Albon and his fellow drivers argue that the FIA is overstepping its authority, making unnecessary restrictions on the sport. He questioned why drivers should be “monetized in every single aspect” of their behavior when racing is already a highly regulated and pressurized environment. The sentiment was echoed by multiple drivers, including Carlos Sainz, who agreed that professionalism is necessary during press conferences and media appearances but felt the FIA was going too far by policing in-race emotions.
Max Verstappen, another vocal critic, pointed out the double standards in other sports. He noted that if microphones were placed on NBA or football players, fans would hear swearing regularly, yet no such penalties exist in those sports. The Dutchman argued that adrenaline-fueled reactions are a natural part of racing and that banning them outright only distances the sport from its raw, authentic nature. The FIA, he suggested, could simply stop broadcasting team radios if they were so concerned about public perception.
However, not everyone in the F1 world opposes the new rule. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff took a more supportive stance, explaining that he had seen firsthand how young fans, including his own child, pick up language from F1 drivers. Wolff believes the sport has a responsibility to set a good example for younger audiences and that stricter language rules are a step in the right direction.
Yet, the biggest issue seems to be the lack of transparency surrounding the rule’s enforcement and the destination of the fines collected. Many in the paddock, including representatives from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), have expressed concern over how the FIA unilaterally implemented the rule without consulting the drivers. Some FIA insiders have even admitted that not everyone within the governing body was involved in approving the change. This has only deepened the mistrust between the FIA and the drivers, who feel increasingly alienated from decisions that directly affect their c
The backlash against the
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how drivers respond to these new restrictions. Will they comply, or will we see acts of defiance that test the limits of the FIA’s authority? One thing is certain—this battle is far from over.
