CNN
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The FIA, the world governing body of motorsports, announced on Wednesday the main dialback of penalties issued to drivers due to curses after a flock of opposition to the new regulations.
Under rules introduced by the FIA prior to the season, F1 drivers could be punished for a monetary fine or loss of championship points for a curse at a press conference.
The fine began at 40,000 euros ($41,600) for the driver’s first violation, doubled the second violation of the rule and a suspended month ban. A third violation could result in a fine of 120,000 euros ($125,000) and a one-month ban and a loss of championship points.
However, the FIA reduced these restrictions on Wednesday after continuing complaints from high-level F1 drivers.
Following the revision to Appendix B of the FIA International Sporting Code, the driver’s base maximum penalty is generally reduced from 10,000 euros ($11,210) to 5,000 euros ($5,600).
The FIA also said that if the steward is the first crime by a driver or team, the penalty can be suspended in certain cases. Stewards are also allowed to determine whether the language is being used in a “controlled” or “uncontrolled” environment to assess whether a penalty is deemed necessary. A “controlled” environment is defined as a press conference, while an “uncontrolled” environment is “voluntary comments made when a driver or team gets back on track or during the rally stage.”
The new guidelines state that “authority by authorities will result in sports penalties rather than fines and coordinate motorsports with other major global sports organizations.”
“As a former rally driver, I know first hand the scope of emotions faced while competing. I have led an extensive joint review with seven contributions from the FIA World Championships, FIA Member Clubs and other motorsport organizations.”
“The improvements the FIA announced today in Appendix B ensures that it continues to promote the finest sportsmanship in motorsports and also gives stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may disgrace the sport.
The original penalty implemented earlier this season has been criticized by many Formula 1 drivers whom they thought were excessive. Drivers, including governing world champion Max Verstappen, also complained about the lack of dialogue with the FIA regarding addressing the issue.
Ronan Morgan, president of the Driver Committee, said the change in the rules regarding the curse would “enhance further the FIA’s international sports code to support drivers by understanding the pressures they face during the heat of competition.”
“Drivers are respected as role models by young fans and are viewed correctly as ambassadors of the wider world of motorsport. How you act is really important, but it’s important to recognize that there is a difference between what is being said during the race and the press conference,” Morgan said.
