In Addition to Controversial Political Gag on F1 Drivers, FIA Tightens the Leash on “Misconduct” With New Rule

F1 is traditionally a non-contact sport, with all the contact restricted to cars on track. Though there have been instances where the drivers having a full rush of adrenaline may get involved in physical fights. The FIA penalizes serious offenses such as assault. But, along with this, the FIA has included another transgression in the aspects of misconduct by drivers.

The FIA has updated its International Sporting Code for 2023. In this updated version, the governing body has updated the definition of “Misconduct”.

As per the official document from the FIA website, the definition of Misconduct in Article 20 also states, “the general use of language (written or verbal), gesture and/or sign that is offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive and might reasonably be expected or be perceived to be coarse or rude or to cause offense, humiliation or to be inappropriate.”

So, as per this latest updated version of the ISC, FIA can penalize any driver who may use coarse or abusive language towards any other driver or any individual in the sport. This is another big step in monitoring what drivers say, in addition to the latest political statements gag.

The rule states that drivers won’t be allowed to make any political, religious, or personal statements. The reason for this update is to maintain the neutrality of the sport.

Read More: FIA Doubles Down on Strict Rule That Will Make Outspoken Lewis Hamilton Tight-Lipped “Unless Approved”

Drivers will have to get approval before portraying any sort of political or religious message. So, there are possibilities that Lewis Hamilton may or may not get to showcase his standing for various socially sensitive issues if the FIA feels it’s violating the neutrality of F1.

The F1 drivers who might be affected by the ISC update by the FIA

Lewis Hamilton is the first name that comes into mind when someone mentions political or personal comments on several issues. The 7-time world champion has been a staunch supporter of the BLM movement. He has also put on several T-shirts portraying specific social issues and requested justice for the same.

So Lewis may be one of the prominent drivers who gets affected by this ruling. Sebastian Vettel is another driver who has supported the LGBTQ+ community’s rights and Issues related to climate change and the Environment. But as he is now retired from the sport, he won’t be affected by this FIA update.

Besides the political comments, several drivers often use coarse language on team radio. But unless we get to see the implemented rule in the 2023 season, there can be no speculation on which drivers may get affected due to the language misconduct update.

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Nonetheless, all drivers will have to tread very carefully to avoid any unnecessary punishments for misconduct. What do you think of the latest updates of the ISC by the FIA?