• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, February 12, 2025

F1 Threatens Drivers With Suspensions for Swearing, Political Speech

Drivers have been fighting with their governing body over swearing fines caused in large part by hot mics catching everything they say.

Max Verstappen
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The governing body of Formula One continued its war on its own drivers over speech, approving fines and even suspensions for repeat offenders.

The FIA published new rules Wednesday that target political, religious, or personal statements (that necessitate a “public apology and repudiation”), “public incitement to violence or hatred,” and actions that cause “moral injury or loss.” Fines range from $41,600 for first offenses to $125,000 with a monthlong ban and loss of championship points for a third offense. (There’s also a category for auctions during ceremonies, and a three-time offender can be fined more than $187,000 while losing access to certain event areas and championship points.)

Though the new rules fall amid a politically charged time in U.S. politics, the tension in F1 over driver speech dates back to well before the 2024 presidential election.

In September, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem enraged drivers when he said F1 has too much profanity during races. “I mean, we have to differentiate between our sport—motorsport—and rap music,” he said. Drivers responded by saying the sport could simply turn off the ever-present hot-mics that can capture everything they say during a race. Lewis Hamilton, a top competitor and one of the sport’s only Black drivers, said Ben Sulayem’s comments had a “racial element” to them.

Things heated up in November when the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association issued a statement against Ben Sulayem and the swearing-related fines the FIA dropped on drivers. Driver Max Verstappen had to complete community service for calling his car “fucked,” and Charles Leclerc was fined close to $11,000 for saying “fuck” during a press conference while describing a near crash. “Our members are adults,” the group said, which also stressed the difference between casual swearing and directing offensive language at someone else.

The fines apply to all four levels of FIA racing and are multiplied for each level. So while an F1 driver, in the fourth level, is fined $41,600 for a first offense, a Level 1 driver in the international series is charged about $10,400.

The FIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“The aim of this new appendix is to provide clear guidance,” the FIA said in a statement to the Associated Press. “By establishing a more structured framework, the FIA seeks to ensure that penalties are applied uniformly and transparently, benefiting both stewards and drivers/competitors.”

The FIA also told the AP that other leagues like the NFL and FIFA have similar rules, and the “FIA is not alone in fining competitors for misconduct.”

But, those leagues aren’t constantly feeding live audio, drivers argue. While athletes in those sports are often mic’d up, their broadcasts aren’t airing every word they say live. “I’m sure if you mic’d up in every other sport—in football, if you mic’d up every player, or basketball, whatever, they’re all swearing, I guess,” driver Yuki Tsunoda said this fall.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Isaiah Wright, a running back featured on the Netflix series "Last Chance U, is playing football for the Alcoa Alloys, a semipro team with the Interactive American Football League on Saturday, April 6, 2019.

‘Last Chance U’ Participants File $30M Lawsuit Against Netflix, Others

Producers of “Last Chance U” allegedly took “unfair advantage” of players.
Nov 26, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Alex Rodriguez watches as the Minnesota Timberwolves lose to the Houston Rockets in overtime at Target Center.

Glen Taylor Has ‘Limited’ Legal Options to Keep Timberwolves

One litigator says it’s usually “very hard to vacate an arbitration award.”
Mark Williams

Failed Deadline Deal Leaves Hornets, Lakers in Unprecedented Territory

The trade would have sent center Mark Williams to Los Angeles.
Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar’s Attack on Drake Peaks With Most-Watched Super Bowl Halftime Ever

A record 133.5 million viewers tuned in for Lamar’s performance.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.

MLB, Nike Unveil New Uniforms, and Yes, Sheer Pants Are Gone

The league and Nike are rolling out expected corrections as camps open.
February 10, 2025

YouTube Golf Goes Pro: Peoples League Joins Creator Competition Boom

A new league is launching for golf content creators.
February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver (right) presents Team LeBron guard Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors (30) with the The Kobe Bryant Trophy for being the most valuable player after the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
February 11, 2025

Steph Curry Advised Adam Silver on All-Star Game Format Change

Viewership for the All-Star Game has declined in recent years.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; The 2024 NFL London Games, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears logo on the facade at an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
February 10, 2025

Do NFL Players Want an International Super Bowl?

Players told Front Office Sports where it should be held.
NFL referees have had a tough time this season and work cut out at Super Bowl.
February 10, 2025

How Much Do NFL Refs Make?

Here’s a breakdown of what NFL refs make at football’s highest level.
Mar 27, 2023; Mesa, Arizona, USA; MLB umpire Jose Navas points to the Chicago White Sox dugout in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park.
February 10, 2025

How Much Do MLB Umpires Make?

MLB umpires are among the highest-compensated officials in major North American leagues. 
February 9, 2025

New Orleans Native Lil Wayne Skipping Super Bowl After Kendrick Lamar Scuffle

His disappointment turned into an ad campaign, but he still isn’t attending.