Formula 1’s governing body has reduced penalties on drivers for swearing following backlash over new misconduct rules.
The updated code, announced Wednesday, reduces the swearing fine for F1 drivers from 40,000 euros ($45,000) to 5,000 euros ($5,600), with the first offense now resulting in a suspended penalty. The rule applies to “controlled” events, such as news conferences, but not during races.
“As a former rally driver, I know firsthand the range of emotions experienced during competition,” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said in the announcement ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
Ben Sulayem had indicated before the Miami Grand Prix that changes would be made to the misconduct penalties, which were introduced for 2025 to allow for larger fines and suspensions for drivers who repeatedly swear.
F1 drivers and others across various FIA-governed events reacted negatively to the initial rules, prompting what Ben Sulayem described as “an extensive and collaborative review.”