Latest news with #FIA-sanctioned
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
F1 drivers get more freedom of speech as FIA eases swearing penalties after backlash from fans and teams
FIA has reduced penalties for F1 drivers swearing, softening its stance after backlash from fans, teams, and the paddock. (Credit: Getty Images) In a significant policy shift, the FIA has officially reduced the maximum penalties Formula 1 drivers can face for swearing, signalling a step back from its previously harsh stance. The move comes after months of pushback from the racing community, who deemed the earlier rules overly punitive and out of touch with the emotional intensity of high-stakes competition. FIA quietly changes course on driver swearing penalties after intense criticism from across the paddock Under the newly amended Appendix B of the International Sporting Code—approved via an e-vote by the World Motor Sport Council—the base maximum fine for a first-time swearing offence has been cut from €10,000 to €5,000. This 50% reduction marks a crucial adjustment to the controversial regulation introduced earlier this year and applies to all FIA-sanctioned championships, including Formula 1 and rallying. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Vietnam (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo Importantly, the updated guidelines allow stewards greater discretion. They now have the authority to fully suspend penalties for a first offence, especially when mitigating factors are involved. This introduces a more measured approach to disciplinary actions, aiming to balance sportsmanship with the emotional realities of motorsport. President Mohammed Ben Sulayem , who has faced mounting criticism from competitors, acknowledged the need for reform. 'As a former rally driver, I know firsthand the range of emotions that are faced during competition,' he stated. '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.' One of the most notable changes is the distinction between 'controlled' and 'uncontrolled' environments. Controlled environments include press conferences and media events, where behaviour is expected to be more composed. In contrast, trackside moments or rally stages—considered uncontrolled—are now judged with greater leniency, recognising the adrenaline and pressure drivers face mid-race. Last season, drivers like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc faced stiff penalties for language used during press briefings. Verstappen, in particular, was required to complete a form of F1 community service for his remarks during the Singapore Grand Prix. Such penalties sparked widespread frustration, prompting drivers to appeal for common-sense reform. "Drivers are looked up to as role models by young fans," noted Ronan Morgan, president of the FIA drivers' committee, "but it is important to recognise that there is a difference between what is said during a race and in a press conference." This policy revision follows a broader trend of the FIA softening positions under public and internal pressure. Earlier this year, Ben Sulayem faced another pushback when his proposal to reintroduce V10 engines was quietly shelved by engine manufacturers, showing a growing demand within the sport for pragmatic leadership. With these changes, the FIA appears to be recalibrating its relationship with the sport's stars. While penalties for more serious offences, such as public incitement or attacks on FIA officials, still remain steep, this update offers a more forgiving, flexible framework that respects the human side of competitive racing. Also Read: Kelly Piquet melts hearts with Mother's Day post celebrating her growing family and journey as a mom Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
FIA announces major F1 rule change before Imola GP after complaints from drivers
Up to now, F1 drivers had been at risk of massive fines, race bans and even the docking of World Championship points for multiple offences of swearing under controversial FIA guidelines Formula 1 drivers are no longer at risk of triggering a race ban by swearing. That is the result of revisions made to the FIA sporting code ahead of this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix which show a softened stance on the issue from the governing body. The FIA caused uproar before the current F1 season began when it introduced much stricter rules around swearing. They applied to every driver and team principal and gave the stewards the power to levy massive fines and potential sporting punishments for anyone using foul language. But it was a step too far in the eyes of many, including the drivers. And the same was true in another major FIA-sanctioned sport, the World Rally Championship, where racer Adrien Fourmaux became the first to fall victim to the tougher guidelines. His punishment for saying he had "f***ed up" in a post-stage interview was an £8,400 fine. And that sparked a mass protest from many drivers in the WRC who declined to give any proper stage-end interviews at the following Rally. Though no F1 driver has fallen foul of the rule so far this year, the jeopardy for them was much greater. As F1 is deemed to be a higher-level championship, monetary fines were quadrupled meaning a driver faced a whopping £33,700 fine for a first offence. And that was just the tip of the iceberg. Multiple swearing offences – the use of foul language in an interview is now deemed to be akin to 'misconduct' in the eyes of the FIA – could bring about even more significant fines and the potential for a one-race ban, while the stewards also had the power to dock championship points. But some of those things will no longer be the case going forward. After a wave of complaints from drivers and teams, the FIA published a new version of the penalty guidelines on Wednesday which means a race ban is no longer on the table. And the fines that can be handed out have also been reduced significantly. A first swearing offence will now see a driver forced to pay £4,200 to the governing body, while the multiplier which quadrupled that figure for F1 drivers has also been removed. It has now also been formalised that the setting will now be taken into account. There was nothing in the initial guidelines which specified when a driver could or could not swear without facing a punishment, though there has been plenty of precedent set on that front. For example, one of the requests when the guidelines were introduced was that drivers not be punished for swearing while behind the wheel, given the high-pressure environment they are in while driving. And despite many instances of foul language being used by drivers up and down the grid, none have been punished. But, now, it has been made clear that swearing in "controlled" environments carries a much greater risk of being penalised compared to any cursing while in competition. However, the revised document still makes it clear that swearing is still punishable, and that "very serious offences" can still carry "more severe penalties". In a press release, the FIA described the changes to the guidelines as "major improvements". President Mohammed ben Sulayem, who himself publicly denounced drivers for their use of bad language, said: "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."
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
F1 driver's dad considering run for FIA presidency opposing Mohammed ben Sulayem
Mohammed ben Sulayem is currently unopposed in the FIA presidential election due to take place later this year, but it seems he could be challenged by a motorsport legend Carlos Sainz Snr could take on Mohammed ben Sulayem with a bid to become FIA president. The rally legend and father of Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jnr is said to be considering running for the post after being approached by several figures keen to oust the incumbent leader. Ben Sulayem has not been a popular figure among many in the Formula 1 world and beyond. And he has further antagonised people this year with harsh swearing punishments which have angered drivers not just in F1 but in other FIA-sanctioned series. Several key figures have also departed the FIA, notably those who have spoken out against the president or not been a strong follower of his. That includes his deputy, Robert Reid, whose departure was announced last month. But despite his unpopularity, Ben Sulayem remains unopposed for the next FIA presidential election. It is due to take place later this year with the current president coming to the end of his four-year term, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed. According to Sainz Snr is considering running to provide an alternative candidate for those who do not want to vote for Ben Sulayem. The report quotes sources as having confirmed that key figures in motorsport are keen to back the Spanish former World Rally Champion. But it is understood that he is not likely to be the only one to run against Ben Sulayem. That is despite Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy and wife of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, dismissing speculation that she could make a bid for the presidency. The Wolffs have an ongoing legal case against the FIA after, in 2023, the governing body announced an inquiry over a 'conflict of interest' between their roles. Two days later it was withdrawn after a remarkable show of togetherness from every team in F1, each of which issued statements denying that they had asked for sure a probe. Sainz Snr is a hugely respected figure in the motorsport world owing to his success in rallying. Aged 63, he has continued to drive at a high level and even won the prestigious Dakar Rally in 2024 at the age of 61, just one year on from breaking his back in a horrific crash at the same event. He is regularly seen in the F1 paddock to support his son, Carlos Jnr, who this year races for Williams. He had previously spent four seasons driving for Ferrari and previously represented Toro Rosso, Renault and McLaren. But it will be tough for any challenger to remove Ben Sulayem. Despite the president's unpopularity among many federations, he retains the backing of a lot of them, particularly those which do not play a big role in motorsport on the global stage. But the way FIA presidential elections work means those smaller federations have exactly the same voting power as the larger ones, such as Britain's Motorsport UK. Last year, Ben Sulayem said he would welcome a challenge from anyone who wanted to run against him.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Flavio Briatore takes on Alpine F1 team principal duties after Oliver Oakes exit
The Alpine team principal, Oliver Oakes, has resigned from the team with Flavio Briatore, the Italian who was once given a lifetime ban from Formula One, set to step up to assume team principal duties. Oakes was appointed only nine months ago and the 37-year-old's resignation, which a statement from Alpine read they had accepted with 'immediate effect', comes with the team expected to replace their driver Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto before the next round at Imola. Advertisement Related: From Hamilton to Räikkönen: when F1 radio communication goes wrong Briatore, who was operating as an executive director at Alpine, working with Oakes, will remain in that role but also assume Oakes's responsibilities, making him the de facto team principal, a development that at one point might have been considered unthinkable. The 75-year-old had been given a lifetime ban from F1 after his part in the 'Crashgate' scandal at the Singapore Grand Prix in 2008. The Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr alleged Briatore, the team principal, and chief engineer, Pat Symonds, had asked him to crash deliberately in order to assist Fernando Alonso, who went on to win. Briatore and Symonds denied the charges but Renault did not contest them at an FIA hearing in 2009 and Briatore and Symonds both left the team. Briatore was subsequently given a lifetime ban from all FIA-sanctioned events. However, he contested that decision in a French court and it was overturned a year later. Advertisement At the time Briatore said he did not see himself ever returning to F1 and since which he has been critical of the direction the sport has taken. However, in 2024 he was persuaded to come back by the Renault chief executive, Luca de Meo, as an executive adviser to the team now operating under Renault's sports car brand as Alpine. It was a controversial decision given the enormous attention and negative publicity Crashgate had inflicted on the sport. The team have also been through a series of staff and management changes in recent years, including the sudden sacking of team principal Otmar Szafnauer in 2023. Since which they have also lost the chief technical officer, Pat Fry, the sporting director, Alan Permane, the technical director, Matt Harman, the head of aerodynamics, Dirk de Beer, and the operations director, Rob White. Bruno Famin, who replaced Szafnauer, was in turn replaced by Oakes. The team based in Enstone, who won four world championships in its guise as Benetton and Renault, all with Briatore in charge, has struggled to escape the midfield for well over a decade. Last year Renault decided to cease building their own power units at their Viry-Châtillon plant and instead to take customer engines from Mercedes as of 2026. They had made some progress under Oakes but are currently ninth in the world championship with six meetings concluded.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Flavio Briatore takes on Alpine F1 team principal duties after Oliver Oakes exit
Flavio Briatore, in his role as Alpine executive advisor, before the Miami Grand Prix. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters The Alpine team principal, Oliver Oakes, has resigned from the team with Flavio Briatore, the Italian who was once given a lifetime ban from Formula One, set to step up to assume team principal duties. Oakes was appointed only nine months ago and the 37-year-old's resignation, which a statement from Alpine read they had accepted with 'immediate effect', comes with the team expected to replace their driver Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto before the next round at Imola. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Related: From Hamilton to Räikkönen: when F1 radio communication goes wrong Briatore, who was operating as an executive director at Alpine, working with Oakes, will remain in that role but also assume the Oakes's responsibilities, making him the de facto team principal, a development that at one point might have been considered unthinkable. The 75-year-old had been given a lifetime ban from F1 after his part in the 'Crashgate' scandal at the Singapore Grand Prix in 2008. The Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr alleged Briatore, the team principal, and chief engineer Pat Symonds had asked him to crash deliberately in order to assist Fernando Alonso, who went on to win. Briatore and Symonds denied the charges but Renault did not contest them at an FIA hearing in 2009 and Briatore and Symonds both left the team. Briatore was subsequently given a lifetime ban from all FIA-sanctioned events. However, he contested that decision in a French court and it was overturned a year later. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement At the time Briatore said he did not see himself as ever returning to F1 and since which he has been critical of the direction the sport has taken. However in 2024 he was persuaded to come back by the Renault chief executive, Luca de Meo, as an executive adviser to the team now operating under Renault's sports car brand as Alpine. It was a controversial decision given the enormous attention and negative publicity Crashgate had inflicted on the sport. The team have also been through a series of staff and management changes in recent years, including the sudden sacking of team principal Otmar Szafnauer in 2023. Since which they have also lost the chief technical officer, Pat Fry, the sporting director, Alan Permane, the technical director, Matt Harman, the head of aerodynamics, Dirk de Beer, and the operations director, Rob White. Bruno Famin, who replaced Szafnauer, was in turn replaced by Oakes. The team based in Enstone, who won four world championships in its guise as Benetton and Renault, all with Briatore in charge, has struggled to escape the midfield for well over a decade. Last year Renault decided to cease building their own power units at their Viry-Châtillon plant and instead to take customer engines from Mercedes as of 2026. They had made some progress under Oakes but are currently ninth in the world championship with six meetings concluded.
