F1 drivers “quite fair” clarified about swearing in Australia FIA discussion

Formula 1 drivers have been given more explanation on the recent tightening of the rules around the inappropriate language by the FIA, after concerns beginning with the words of early guidance.

Tension moved forward around this issue Hyundai World rally championship driver Adrian Formox was fined € 10,000 – With an additional € 20,000 suspended – the rally to use unfair language during a live TV interview in Sweden.

The incident inspired a backlash within the rally community. WRC led the protests going on by driversThose who have refused to talk to the post-stage of the TV crew or are interviewing only in their original languages.

Ahead of 2025 season, FIA launched new rules underlining punishment for use of unfair languageAccording to the updated Article 12 of the FIA ​​International Sporting Code, the first crime will result in a fine of € 40,000. A second offense will impose a fine of € 80,000 with a one -month suspension, while a third offense will be fined € 120,000, one and a month’s suspension and championship points.

While the FIA’s approach is understood to be in line with the championship – allowing emotional language in the car, if not objectionable, and prohibit the swearing in during the interview – significant differences appear to be that the rules seem to be informed to the contestants.

In F1, the case was addressed during the briefing ahead of the Australian Grand Prix of the general Friday’s drivers, where the Gary Conley – who worked as the chairman of Steward – spoke to the group to tell how the interpretation of the guidelines would have proceeded.

Autosport understands that Connelly presented two major landscapes to the drivers. Previously, about the in-car communication between drivers and their teams, the FIA ​​clarified that it would tolerate the strong language used in the moment-until it is not aggressive to others, including race authorities or fellow contestants.

However, the second landscape – about media obligations – was treated differently. If the foul language is used during the interview, such as in TV pens, press conferences or written media sessions, it will be considered a violation of rules and will be informed by Steward by the race direction.

It is understood that many drivers raised follow -up questions during the meeting, asked the past for examples and explanation on how certain situations would be explained. The overall conclusion was that the group left relatively satisfied, now the rules are considered clear.

Hask driver Estaban OkonSpeaking in Shanghai at the end of this week, said: “FIA, Steward, they came and originally specified what was allowed, what was allowed, and I think, honestly, it was a fairly fair discussion that we had, very open.

“FIAs are not meant to punish us without any reason, so if some bad words come between engineering and ourselves in the heat of the moment, it will be fine, basically.

“This is what they said. But obviously if you insult someone, it is a different case, but it is normal. We have to behave, we are in the air all the time, (this) is live TV.

“It is important for the younger generation to have a (role) model for us. But whatever we had in Melbourne, I think we were all scared at first – I think it’s quite clear now and I think it’s quite appropriate, we had the discussion.

“I don’t know what the world rally (Championship) had with the people. Perhaps there are very different answers to their questions, and perhaps that is why they are not happy. But on our side, in Formula 1, I think it is more clear and quite fair.”

Carlos SainzWho recently replaced Sebstian wettel As director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, the Conline’s approach was praised and agreed that the rules are now “very clear”.

“I think Gary was incredibly helpful in trying to convince us that the way the FIA ​​was going to approach the situation,” he said, “and I really appreciate general knowledge and, this time, I will say that general knowledge that general knowledge

The difference with the WRC seems that drivers may feel that the rules have not yet been explained clearly as their sutras 1 counterparts. There is also a belief within the rally community that their circumstances are different, as post-stage interviews are often conducted with drivers in the car, which is still there immediately after the completion of a platform.