FIA Cuts F1 Swearing Fines in Half After Verstappen Pushback

The Formula One governing body, the FIA, has slashed fines for drivers’ swearing by 50% after a heated dispute with top drivers, led by world champion Max Verstappen. The decision, announced Wednesday, is a step back for FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who had championed tougher rules to clean up language in the sport.

The issue blew up at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix when Verstappen was hit with a community service penalty for swearing during a press conference. He, along with drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, called the FIA’s rules excessive, with Verstappen even hinting he might leave F1 over what he dubbed “ridiculous” fines. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) backed them, urging the FIA to treat drivers like adults and explain how fines are used.

Now, the FIA has lowered the maximum fine for swearing from 10,000 EUR to 5,000 EUR, and stewards can waive penalties for first-time offenses. Before, drivers faced fines starting at 40,000 EUR, with repeat offenses risking up to 120,000 EUR or even race bans. The new rules let stewards be more lenient, separating swearing in heated race moments from calmer settings like press conferences.

Garry Connelly, head of F1 stewards, said the changes clarify how to handle on-track versus off-track behavior. Ronan Morgan, who leads the drivers’ committee, noted that while drivers are role models, the context of their words, especially in high-pressure races—matters.

The FIA’s rethink comes after Ben Sulayem signaled a softer approach last month, as he campaigns for re-election in December. Verstappen, the loudest critic of the old policy, is likely to see this as a win as he gears up for the next race. Drivers now hope for a fairer approach to managing language in F1, balancing professionalism with the sport’s intense emotions.