An updated International Sporting Code issued by the world governing body last month stipulates a range of what appear extreme punishments for language and conduct violations.
The guidelines were pushed through by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem following attempts to crack down on drivers swearing in Formula 1 press conferences last year.
Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were both delt heavy fines for language breaches in 2024, creating significant friction between the FIA and the drivers.
This week World Rally Championship star Adrien Fourmaux became the first driver to be sanctioned under the revised code.
The Frenchman was hit with a $50,000 fine for admitting to the TV broadcast that he had “fucked up” during a stage in Rally Sweden.
Motorsport Australia officials reminded Supercars drivers and teams during their pre-event briefing at Sydney Motorsport Park on Thursday evening that they too fall under the FIA’s guidelines.
As the National Sporting Authority appointed by the FIA, MA has no choice but to follow the draconian mandate.
Drivers in Sydney were taken through the ISC appendix and potential punishments, which are reproduced in full at the bottom of this story.
Fines for swearing start at €10,000 (AUD $16,373) for a first offence and escalate to €20,000 (AUD $32,746) plus a one-month suspension (provisionally suspended) for a second.
A third offence comes with a €20,000 fine plus a one-month suspension and loss of championship points.
Supercars drivers and teams were left bemused and confused by the briefing and guidelines, which leave significant room for interpretation by the local stewards.
Speedcafe understands many questions raised during the meeting about the swearing crackdown could not be met with definitive answers.
It’s thought lenience will be applied to profanities picked up via team radio or ambient mics during the heat of battle, but breaches during interviews will be dealt with harshly.
Officials noted that gestures such as raising a middle finger can also attract punishments under the guidelines.
The FIA-driven rules fly in the face of Supercars’ own push for the drivers to show greater personality and be more outspoken in interviews, which was reiterated earlier in the same briefing.
The 2025 Supercars Championship gets underway at Sydney Motorsport Park today with practice, qualifying and a 100km race.
International Sporting Code, Appendix B: Stewards Penalty Guidelines
| FIA Regulation breached | 1st offence | 2nd offence* | 3rd offence* |
| Article 12.2.1.f ISC: Any words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally on the interest of motor sport and on the values defended by the FIA. |
€10,000 | €20,000 plus 1-month suspension – which is suspended. |
€30,000 plus 1-month suspension plus deduction of Championship points. |
| Article 12.2.1.l ISC: Any Misconduct. Misconduct is defined under Article 20 of the ISC. |
€10,000 | €20,000 plus 1-month suspension – which is suspended. |
€30,000 plus 1-month suspension plus deduction of Championship points. |
| Article 12.2.1.n ISC: Any public incitement to violence or hatred. |
€10,000 | €20,000 plus 1-month suspension – which is suspended. |
€30,000 plus 1-month suspension plus deduction of Championship points. |
| Article 12.2.1.o ISC: The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction. |
€10,000 plus public apology and repudiation of comments. Fine may be suspended. |
€20,000 plus public apology and repudiation of comments plus 1 month suspension – which is suspended. |
€30,000 plus public apology and repudiation of comments plus 1 month suspension plus deduction of Championship points. |
| Article 12.2.1.p ISC: Failure to comply with the instructions of the FIA regarding the appointment and participation of persons during official ceremonies at any Competition counting towards a FIA Championship. |
€15,000 | €30,000 plus suspension of access to Reserved Area(s) of event for next event. |
€45,000 plus suspension of access to Reserved Areas(s) of event for 6 months plus deduction of Championship points. |
*Within 2-year period
