FIA U-Turn: Penalties for Swearing Halved

Formula One's governing body reduces penalties for swearing after driver backlash. Read more about the controversy.

George Russell doesn't see the need to thank the FIA for reducing penalties for swearing, believing the original fines were excessive. As a Mercedes driver and GPDA director, Russell stated that the high fines were and “a little bit ludicrous in the first place,” implying the change was a necessary correction.

George Russell expressed mixed feelings about the FIA's decision to halve penalties for swearing, stating, “Of course we're happy to see (the changes), but it (the fines) should never have been there.” He added, “So it feels a bit wrong to be thanking (the FIA) for the changes when we shouldn't have been in that place to begin with.” The FIA announced a 50% reduction in maximum penalties for swearing, giving stewards more discretion in deciding fines.

Formula One and rallying competitors had been at odds with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem over stricter penalties for bad language. The FIA had introduced hefty fines in January, starting at €40,000 for a first offense, rising to €80,000 for a second, and €120,000 with a suspension and points deduction for a third. However, the fines have now been halved. George Russell commented, “Of course we're happy to see (the changes), but it (the fines) should never have been there... So it feels a bit wrong to be thanking (the FIA) for the changes when we shouldn't have been in that place to begin with.”

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The FIA's new rules will impose sporting penalties rather than fines for abuse of officials. Oscar Piastri, the current Formula One championship leader, welcomed the change, saying, “The stewards have a lot more control now, which I think is a good thing because the circumstances definitely need to be taken into account.” This shift gives stewards more discretion when deciding penalties.

“I think one of the big things for the FIA was putting something in for abusing officials, which I think is very fair and reasonable. I think maybe some of the other areas got a bit caught up in that sentiment and felt a bit harsh.

“But I think there are some genuine reasons behind what they’re doing. I think they’ve listened to some of our feedback and the changes are in the right direction.”