FIA makes major announcement on driver penalties in new rule change

The FIA has announced what it calls “major improvements” to its International Sporting Code, in relation to the penalties handed out to racing drivers.

Following an extensive review led by president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the sport’s governing body has concluded that it will be changing Appendix B of the ISC.

The review featured input from the FIA Drivers’ Committee [led by its president, Ronan Morgan] as well as Garry Connelly, representing the F1 Steward Chairs.

A number of various motorsport organisations from all seven of the FIA’s World Championship-classified competitions, as well as its members clubs, were also part of the process.

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A change in rules will see the base fine halved, stewards now able to suspend penalties provided it is the first time a driver or team have committed such an offence, and sporting penalties, rather than financial, will now be handed out for “abuse” of officials.

The FIA has outlined the changes, which are as follows:

• The base maximum penalty has been reduced generally from €10,000 to €5,000. This is a reduction of 50%.  However, for FIA World Championships, where multipliers were involved, the reductions will be even more significant.
• Stewards will have the option to fully suspend a penalty for certain types of breach, provided it is the first offence by the driver or team.
• Following approval via e-vote by the WMSC, the amended Appendix B will allow stewards to differentiate between controlled and non-controlled environments, effectively recognising the difference between language used in “uncontrolled” and “controlled” environments. Controlled environments include settings such as press conferences, while uncontrolled environments refer to spontaneous comments made by drivers or teams when on track or during a rally stage.
• Mitigating circumstances will continue to be considered, with additional guidance available to promote consistency and fairness for all parties in the application of Appendix B.
• Abuse of officials will now result in sporting penalties rather than fines, aligning motor sport with other major global sports organisations
• Racial and discriminatory comments will continue to be addressed firmly.

FIA announcement a potential breakthrough in driver swearing furore

Upon the announcement, Ben Sulayem said: “As a former rally driver, I know firsthand the range of emotions that are faced during competition.

“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.”

Connelly conveyed his happiness with the process and its outcome, adding: “I would like to thank the FIA President for his leadership with initiating the review of Appendix B.

“The revised version will ensure that Stewards have effective guidance in place to help them differentiate between on- and off-track issues.

“I am pleased that stewards will continue to maintain the full discretion to consider any mitigating factors to ensure that a penalty is applied fairly to a specific situation, in particular to take into account the circumstances of the driver concerned.

“These changes will ensure motor sport can be enjoyed by fans of all ages and will continue all our collective efforts to grow the sport globally.”

The announcement may help to decrease the furore between the FIA and drivers in F1 and the World Rally Championship on the issue of drivers swearing.

After Max Verstappen was penalised for swearing during a press conference at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, the issue escalated via statements made to the media by Ben Sulayem, and some of the drivers.

This led to the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association [GPDA] issuing a public rebuke of some of Ben Sulayem’s comments.

Latterly, WRC drivers formed their own union, and promptly issued a similarly-tough statement, after Adrien Fourmaux was issued with a fine for swearing at the Rally Sweden.

READ MORE – FIA president proposes changes to increase control – report