Ben Sulayem drives major improvements to Appendix B of FIA's International Sporting Code - Middle East Business News and Information
New guidance will significantly reduce the maximum penalties for drivers by 50% no matter the discipline
Dubai, UAE: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced that it will make major improvements to Appendix B of its International Sporting Code (ISC) following an extensive review commissioned by FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The latest version of Appendix B of the ISC was introduced in January 2025, aligning the FIA with other global sporting organisations such as FIFA, the National Football League and World Rugby, all of which have strong codes of conduct to protect the integrity of their respective sports.
The ISC provides the stewards with the necessary regulatory tools to ensure they have all relevant information regarding the range of penalties that may be imposed and the procedures to be followed. This enables them to apply penalties in a consistent and transparent manner.
The review was carried out in collaboration with the FIA Drivers' Committee and its President, Ronan Morgan, as well as the FIA Formula One Steward Chairs. Input was also received from FIA Members Clubs and other motor sport organisations across the seven FIA World Championships.
The main changes to Appendix B are as follows: The base maximum penalty has been reduced generally from €10,000 to €5,000. This is a reduction of 50%. However, for FIA World Championships, where multipliers were involved, the reductions will be even more significant.
Stewards will have the option to fully suspend a penalty for certain types of breach, provided it is the first offence by the driver or team.
Following approval via e-vote by the WMSC, the amended Appendix B will allow stewards to differentiate between controlled and non-controlled environments, effectively recognising the difference between language used in 'uncontrolled' and 'controlled' environments. Controlled environments include settings such as press conferences, while uncontrolled environments refer to spontaneous comments made by drivers or teams when on track or during a rally stage.
Mitigating circumstances will continue to be considered, with additional guidance available to promote consistency and fairness for all parties in the application of Appendix B.
Abuse of officials will now result in sporting penalties rather than fines, aligning motor sport with other major global sports organisations
Racial and discriminatory comments will continue to be addressed firmly.
Stewards will retain the supreme authority to decide which penalty to impose in the event of a breach of the ISC.
FIA President Ben Sulayem, said: 'As a former rally driver, I know firsthand the range of emotions that are faced during competition. I have led an extensive and collaborative review with contributions from across the seven FIA World Championships, FIA Member Clubs and other motor sports organisations.
'The improvements the FIA has announced today to Appendix B will ensure we continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motor sport, while also giving Stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may bring the sport into disrepute. The FIA will always be committed to ensuring motor sport is accessible for all our sporting family.'
Ronan Morgan said: 'Drivers are looked up to as role models by young fans and are rightly seen as ambassadors for the wider world of motor sport. How they act really does matter, but it is important to recognise that there is a difference between what is said during a race and in a press conference.
'Today's changes further strengthen the FIA's International Sporting Code supporting our drivers by understanding the pressures they face during the heat of competition.'
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
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