The FIA ​​has announced new rules that could result in heavy penalties for drivers found guilty of “causing moral harm or loss to the FIA”. The potential sanctions are part of an unprecedented crackdown on behaviour the governing body deems damaging to the integrity and reputation of the sport.

The new rules, which have sparked debate in the paddock, set out a clear and progressive system of sanctions for drivers who breach the FIA’s expectations regarding on-track conduct and off-track actions that affect the image of Formula 1. The move comes as the FIA ​​aims to preserve the sanctity of the sport and ensure that drivers’ behaviour, both on and off the track, is in line with the values ​​and responsibilities of a Formula 1 competitor.

Under the new regulations, drivers who, through their actions, seriously damage the reputation of the FIA ​​or Formula 1 will be subject to increasingly severe fines and sanctions. The system is as follows:

• 1st offence: €40,000 fine
  . If a driver causes “moral harm or loss” to the FIA ​​for the first time, the penalty will be a €40,000 fine. This measure is intended to make it clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated, but without immediate serious consequences.

• 2nd offence: €80,000 fine and one-month suspended suspension
  In the event of a repeat offence, the fine will double to €80,000 and, this time, the driver will also be subject to a one-month suspension from all F1 activity. This suspension will, however, be suspended, meaning that it will only be applied if the driver commits a third offence within a set period of time. This progressive sanction aims to reinforce the sense of urgency and seriousness in the driver’s actions.

• 3rd offence: €120,000 fine, one-month suspension and championship points deduction
  The most severe sanction, reserved for a third offence, will see the driver fined €120,000 and immediately suspended for one month from all Formula 1-related activity. In addition, the FIA ​​will deduct an unspecified number of points from the driver’s championship total, further degrading their position in the standings. This sanction is intended to have a direct impact on a driver’s ability to compete for titles, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a good reputation and adhering to the FIA’s Code of Conduct.

  

The term ‘moral harm’ refers to actions or behaviours that undermine the ethical standards and values ​​of a group, an institution or society as a whole. In the context of Formula 1, the FIA ​​takes a broad approach to this concept. This can include everything from unsporting behaviour, such as blatant cheating or dangerous driving that endangers the safety of others, to off-track actions that tarnish the reputation of the sport.

The governing body’s new stance aims to address on- and off-track behaviour that could harm the sport’s image. For example, incidents of reckless driving that endanger other drivers or stewards, or behaviour that undermines the integrity of the sport (such as intentionally crashing to gain an advantage), could trigger this penalty system. Similarly, off-track actions, such as public statements deemed to harm the sport’s image, could also fall under the scope of “moral prejudice”.

This rule introduces an unprecedented level of accountability for drivers, holding them responsible for their conduct on and off the track, with the aim of protecting the integrity of Formula 1 and the reputation of the FIA ​​as a governing body.

This new regulatory framework could well change the dynamics of Formula 1 considerably. If the FIA ​​wants to preserve the prestige of the discipline, the question arises as to how the drivers will react to these new rules. For some, the increase in sanctions for “moral prejudice” could be seen as an excessive measure, likely to restrict the freedom of expression of the drivers and their ability to push the boundaries of the sport.

On the other hand, many will see the move as a long-overdue measure to preserve the integrity of F1 and maintain the high standards of behaviour expected of its elite athletes. The impact of a points deduction, especially in a tight championship race, could be a game-changer for any driver, making it clear that reputation matters as much as performance on track.

As the new rule is implemented, it will be interesting to see how teams, drivers and the governing body manage to find the fine line between the spirit of competition and respecting the values ​​of the sport. The effect of a suspension and points deduction could be devastating to a driver’s career, especially in a season where every point counts in the title race.

Only time will tell whether the FIA’s tough new sanctions will be effective in curbing inappropriate or harmful behaviour in Formula 1. The question remains whether these sanctions will be sufficient to deter drivers from engaging in actions that could damage the sport’s reputation.

The introduction of such a system marks a move towards greater accountability in Formula 1. With millions of fans from around the world, the FIA ​​stresses that respect and integrity of the sport are paramount. For F1 drivers, it now seems that their actions, on and off the track, will be scrutinised more closely than ever.

As Formula 1 continues to evolve and the stakes become higher, this latest decision from the FIA ​​shows that the governing body is not afraid to take bold action to protect the image of the sport and to ensure that drivers uphold the values ​​that make Formula 1 a global phenomenon.

Stay tuned, because these new regulations could radically reshape how the sport operates and how drivers approach their behavior in and out of the cockpit.