FIA announce major change to controversial swearing rules after mounting pressure from drivers
Formula One drivers will no longer face race bans or exorbitant fines for swearing, after the sport's ruler Mohammed Ben Sulayem relented in the face of widespread opposition.
Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, introduced draconian rules in January that would have resulted in the grid's millionaire stars being fined €40,000 (£37,700) for a first offence, which would have been doubled for a second.
A third transgression would have seen the initial amount trebled, plus a one-month ban and championship points docked.
But on Wednesday the FIA issued what they called 'major improvements' to Appendix B, their tariff relating to bad language.
Drivers now face up to €5,000 ($4,200) fines, subject to mitigating circumstances.
However, the stewards have the right to impose 'more severe penalties' for 'very serious offences'.
Ben Sulayem has clearly listened to the drivers, who wrote him an open letter asking that he treat them as adults.
A distinction will also be drawn between 'controlled' and 'uncontrolled' environments – the former such as press conferences; the latter such as in the cockpit, where more leniency will be shown.
Stricter punishments remain open for the abuse of officials or for making political, religious or personal statements that contravene FIA neutrality.
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