FIA May Relax Its Disputed F1 Swearing Regulations

      James Sutton

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      FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated on Monday afternoon that he is “considering making improvements” to the organization’s contentious anti-swearing rule implemented for the 2025 season, which has resulted in several racing drivers from various championships facing significant fines.

      “After receiving constructive feedback from drivers across our seven FIA World Championships, I am contemplating enhancements to Appendix B,” reads Ben Sulayem's announcement. “As a former rally driver, I have a deeper understanding of the challenges they confront. Appendix B is a crucial part of the International Sporting Code and is vital in making the sport accessible to everyone in our sporting community. Humans create the rules, and humans can refine the rules. I have always believed in the principle of continuous improvement, which lies at the core of our work at the FIA.”

      Since its introduction in 2024, the rule has generated media coverage, with the Formula 1 Grand Prix Drivers’ Association being the first to express their dissatisfaction. “Our members are adults; they don't require media directives about trivial issues like wearing jewelry and undergarments,” stated the GPDA through its then-president, George Russell.

      Even four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen faced consequences at the conclusion of the 2024 season, when he was mandated to complete a day of community service in Rwanda for using the word “fucked” over the radio following the Singapore race. Had the Appendix B rule been in effect at that time, he would have incurred a financial penalty.

      As noted in Ben Sulayem’s message, rally drivers haven’t had the same fortune. Hyundai WRC driver Adrien Fourmaux received a fine of 10,000 euros in February for admitting to having “fucked up” after failing to properly secure his helmet. This fine was subsequently increased to 20,000 euros.

      It remains unclear what specific “improvements” Ben Sulayem has in mind, but this entire announcement gives off a strong scent of self-promotion. His assertion that humans both create and enhance rules aligns with his dictatorial style of leadership within the FIA. As demonstrated on numerous occasions, Ben Sulayem enjoys being in the limelight, positioning himself as a problem solver for this controversial rule, despite being the source of the initial controversy. Additionally, the photo of a young Ben Sulayem featured as a backdrop to the FIA announcement is noteworthy. Though it's well-known that he was a racing driver years ago, he continually seeks to highlight this aspect of his past. He appears eager to be regarded as one of "the boys."

      Moreover, it is uncertain when Ben Sulayem and the FIA will reveal these improvements or when they will become effective.

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