Yesterday the FIA ​​(International Automobile Federation) announced updates to the Sports Code that will come into force from 2025. These modifications focus mainly on article 12, related to inappropriate conduct of drivers.

In Article 12, the governing body defines misconduct as: "the general use of offensive, insulting, rude, impolite or abusive language, gestures and/or signs. It also includes actions such as elbowing, kicking, punching, hitting, among others , as well as inciting to carry out any of the aforementioned behaviors."

With this definition, the federation implemented changes in the disciplinary measures aimed at pilots who fail to comply with this chapter of the Sports Code. However, these measures, which were approved through a virtual vote, have been considered drastic and have generated controversy. A critical aspect of the process is that the federation did not consult, discuss or inform the parties directly affected, such as the GPDA and the pilots themselves. This reflects a unilateral decision that highlights how the federation prioritized its position of authority over those directly involved.

In the official document published yesterday, the federation detailed the sanctions that will be applied for inappropriate behavior. These penalties include financial fines with considerably high sums, suspensions for drivers and even the deduction of points in the championship. In addition to these sanctions, it is established that, specifically for Formula 1 drivers, the financial fines mentioned in the document will be multiplied by four.

Pilots will have three chances if they fail to comply with this rule. On the first occasion, the sanction will be lighter; However, if they reoffend a third time, a much more severe punishment will be imposed.

In case of breaking the rules, the sanctions will be progressive:

• First time: The pilots will receive a fine of 40,000 euros.

• Second time: The sanction will be a fine of 80,000 euros, along with a one-month suspension.

• Third time: A fine of 120,000 euros, a one-month suspension and the deduction of points in the championship will be imposed.

These measures have generated strong controversy both among fans and among the pilots themselves. According to Motorsports reports, it has been revealed that neither the drivers nor the GPDA agree with the decisions made by the federation. These changes are considered to represent a form of silencing and restriction towards drivers, in addition to being seen as a setback for the sport.

So far, no official statement has been issued by the Pilots Association, although they are expected to do so shortly. However, some teams have already expressed their disagreement through social media, as was the case with Red Bull:

Last season, this issue already generated controversy, especially with the penalty imposed on Max Verstappen, who received community service for having said an inappropriate word during the Singapore Grand Prix press conference. Despite the statement published by the GPDA last season, in which the pilots requested more respectful treatment by the president , and that they not be treated like children, the changes implemented by the federation show that this request was completely ignored.

This demonstrates, once again, how the federation takes advantage of its position of power to make decisions that favor its own agenda, without considering others involved in the sport.