FIA Under Fire from Rally Drivers Over 'Disproportionate' Fines

World rally drivers have condemned the FIA's crackdown on swearing, calling the fines 'exorbitant' and 'disproportionate'.

World rally drivers have issued a joint statement condemning the FIA's crackdown on swearing, following the fining of Hyundai driver Adrien Fourmaux for using profanity in a television interview at the end of Rally Sweden. The drivers are seeking talks with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to find an "urgent solution" to the issue. Fourmaux was fined 10,000 euros, with a further 20,000 euros suspended, for his language, which was deemed to be in breach of the sporting code.

The fine was the first to be imposed since amendments to the sporting code were made in January, introducing stiff sanctions for drivers who break the rules concerning conduct, including the use of bad language. The drivers and co-drivers, who have come together to form the World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA), expressed their concerns about the severity of the sanctions in a joint statement. “In recent months... there has been an alarming increase in the severity of the sanctions imposed for minor, isolated and unintentional language lapses,” they said. “This has reached an unacceptable level.”

"Where does the money from these fines go"

World Rally Championship drivers have called out the FIA in a strong statement regarding swearing fines...https://t.co/lS4ls18o6z pic.twitter.com/v49ESgCcKh

— Pit Debrief (@PitDebrief) February 24, 2025

The drivers, who were inspired by their Formula One colleagues to express a joint opinion, are seeking a more nuanced approach to dealing with instances of bad language. They believe that the current sanctions are too harsh and are having a negative impact on the sport. By speaking out together, the drivers hope to bring about a change in the FIA's approach and find a solution that is fair and reasonable.

The World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA) has expressed concerns that the FIA's crackdown on swearing is unfair and disproportionate. The drivers argue that common colloquialisms should not be treated as seriously as genuine insults or acts of aggression. They also point out that non-native speakers may not be aware of the meaning of certain words or phrases, which could lead to unintentional offenses. “The exorbitant fines are vastly disproportionate to the average income and budget in rallying,” the drivers said in a statement.

The drivers are also concerned about the public perception of the fines, which they believe creates a negative impression of the sport. “We are also concerned with the public impression these excessive sums create in the minds of fans, suggesting this is an industry where money doesn't matter,” the statement added. Furthermore, the drivers question the transparency of the FIA's financial handling, asking “fundamental question” of where the money from the fines is going. This lack of transparency is eroding confidence in the system, according to the drivers.

The WoRDA statement calls for direct communication and engagement between the FIA, its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and the drivers to find a mutually agreeable and urgent solution. This is not the first time that drivers have spoken out against the FIA's policies. Last November, the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) issued a statement criticizing Ben Sulayem, and Formula One drivers face even bigger fines for misconduct. For example, four-time world champion Max Verstappen was punished for his language in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix last September.