FIA considering major F1 rule change ahead of Miami GP and it will delight Max Verstappen

Formula 1's governing body, the FIA's president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has announced that a major rule change could be on the horizon.

Back in January, ahead of the 2025 season, it was reported that the FIA made a change to the sport's regulations, particularly Appendix B, which has been seen as the 'code of conduct' for drivers.

As a result, drivers would face harsher punishment if found guilty of swearing or using abusive language.

However, the decision left drivers unimpressed, with George Russell claiming the FIA went too far with their new sporting code, but admitted certain measures should be in place.

At the time, Max Verstappen said: "I am not going to tell you how you should behave in life.

"It’s important we have a discussion about this but we need help from others, teams, promoters. We can have a proper discussion about this."

During the 2024 season, Verstappen was ordered to do community service after saying the car was 'f***ed' in a press conference.

Max Verstappen was punished for swearing during the 2024 season. Image: Getty

Now, ahead of this weekend's action, FIA president Ben Sulayem has announced that the governing body is considering making changes to how it will police swearing and misconduct across its World Championships moving forward.

In a statement, he wrote: "Following constructive feedback from drivers across our seven FIA World Championships, I am considering making improvements to Appendix B.

"As a former rally driver, I understand the demands [the drivers] face better than most. Appendix B is a key part of the International Sporting Code and is central to helping keep the sport accessible for all our sporting family."

The statement continued: "Humans make the rules and humans can improve the rules.

"This principle of continuous improvement is something I have always believed in and it is the beating heart of what we do at the FIA."

After a short break, F1 will return this weekend with the Miami Grand Prix, which will take place around the Miami International Autodrome.