As reported by Autosport, the FIA has recently published the new 2025 International Sporting Code, updating several guidelines and tightening measures related to Article 12 infractions, particularly those linked to misconduct.
Misconduct is defined by the governing body as: “the general use of offensive, insulting, crude, rude, or abusive language (written or verbal), gestures, and/or signs, which may be considered or perceived as offensive, humiliating, or inappropriate. Physical aggression (elbowing, kicking, punching, striking, etc.) and incitement to commit any of the aforementioned acts fall into the same category.”
The penalties for these infractions are as follows:
– A base fine of €10,000 for the first infraction.
– A €20,000 fine and a one-month suspension for the second infraction.
– A €30,000 fine, plus a one-month suspension and championship point deductions, for the third infraction.
Similar penalties will apply for “any word, act, or written statement causing moral or financial harm to the FIA, its members, or officials, or more broadly to the interests of motorsport and the values promoted by the FIA, as well as for any public incitement to violence or hatred.”
Another controversial point concerns the dissemination of political, religious, or personal statements or comments not pre-approved by the FIA for international competitions or by the relevant ASN for national races. In such cases, penalties include a fine and a requirement for drivers to issue a public apology and retract their statements.
Failure to comply with FIA instructions regarding attendance and participation in official ceremonies during events will result in even stricter penalties:
– A €15,000 fine for the first infraction.
– A €30,000 fine and suspension from access to restricted areas at the next event for the second infraction.
– For repeated infractions, a €45,000 fine and a six-month suspension from restricted areas.
The document also introduces a multiplier system for fines based on the competition level. For instance, in Formula 1, base penalties are multiplied by four. This means that for an F1 driver, “causing moral or financial harm to the FIA” will result in a €40,000 fine for the first infraction, €80,000 for the second (plus a one-month suspension), and €120,000 for the third, along with a one-month suspension and championship point deductions.
For example, the incident involving Max Verstappen during last year’s Singapore press conference would now be classified as a violation of the first case described.
Finally, the regulations confirm that FIA stewards have the discretion to apply penalties, taking into account any mitigating or aggravating circumstances, as well as the nature and context of the event.
Leave a Reply