Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri has launched a scathing attack on the International Automobile Federation (FIA) over its decision to levy substantial fines on drivers for using profanity during races. The FIA has implemented a staggering penalty scheme that could see drivers fined up to $200,000 for foul language broadcast over team radios in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
This controversial move is the brainchild of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, marking the latest episode in his ongoing conflict with the Grand Prix Drivers Association. This follows hot on the heels of the community service sentence handed to Max Verstappen after he used explicit language in a press conference.
Under the newly minted “misconduct” guidelines, drivers who use offensive language over team radios could face not only fines but also potential suspensions and the deduction of championship points. The sanctions will come into force starting from the 2025 Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit.
The decision has faced widespread criticism from drivers, fans, and pundits alike. The aim of the new rules is to sanitize live TV coverage by reducing the use of inappropriate language. However, Piastri has argued that the punishment is excessively severe given the high-pressure environment of racing.
According to the fine structure for profanity over radios, penalties will escalate over a two-year period: the first offense incurs a fine of $66,900, the second offense doubles this to $133,791, and the third offense results in a whopping fine of $200,400. Piastri has been vocally critical about this, stating, “The fines are quite harsh, so I think that is something that we would like to discuss with the FIA,” in an interview with The Herald Sun.
Piastri pointed out the high adrenaline environment in which drivers operate, adding, “They can’t be expecting us to say absolutely nothing when we are in the car. We are first and foremost speaking to our team.” He also emphasized the importance of respect and the different expectations of behavior inside and outside the car.
The FIA’s revised “misconduct” guidelines, which introduced the rule, aim to present a more refined image of F1 and to avert any potential damage caused by inappropriate language. However, the vagueness of the ruling has also been criticized. Any words, actions, or writings that could result in moral injury to the FIA, its bodies, or its members could incur penalties.
Critical voices have also pointed out that the new rule marks a significant shift in Formula 1’s culture. Motorsport has traditionally been a high-stakes, emotion-charged environment, with the language on team radios reflecting the raw nature of racing. While the new penalties may help cultivate a more professional and family-friendly image for the sport, they may also clash with the intense and emotional ambiance that generates so many memorable moments.
Moreover, this is not the first time the FIA has acted against inappropriate language in the sport. Drivers have faced penalties before for using foul language during press conferences or media sessions. One such example includes Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who was fined over $16,700 for using explicit language during a press conference at the Mexico Grand Prix in 2024, despite his swift apology.
The rule has also faced criticism for not taking into account that F1 drivers, who are required to communicate with the media in English, may not have English as their first language. This potentially puts those speaking in their second, or even third language, at a disadvantage. This issue was highlighted by the World Rally Championship’s equivalent of the GPDA when it criticized the FIA for fining French driver Adrien Fourmaux $31,400 for swearing on TV.
In conclusion, while the FIA’s intention to maintain a polished image of F1 is understandable, the new rules have sparked a debate over the fine balance between professionalism and the raw, emotional nature of the sport. It remains to be seen how these new measures will affect the sport and its fan base in the long run.