Formula 1 fans have been reacting to new penalty regulations set out by the sport's governing body, the FIA, ahead of the new season.
On Thursday, it was revealed that the FIA have introduced some new regulations ahead of the 2025 campaign.
As per Appendix B of the FIA’s 2025 International Sporting Code, the use of 'any words, deeds, or writing that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally interest of motorsport on the values defended by the FIA', could result in harsher punishments.
It has been said that the first offence would result in a fine of €10,000. For a second breach, they will be slapped with a €20,000 fine plus a one-month suspension, which is suspended.
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Breached for a third time, a €30,000 fine plus a one-month suspension – to be served – alongside deductions of unspecified championship points could be handed out.
Reacting on social media, fans have been discussing the new guidelines, with one fan explaining the impact the new rules could have on the F1 world title.
On Reddit, one user wrote: "The FIA’s new penalty system, where an undisclosed number of championship points will be deducted after a driver’s third offence, could result in the title not being decided until the final race, regardless of a driver’s points lead.
"For example, in the 2023 season, despite Max Verstappen having a commanding lead—over double the points of the second-place driver—he wouldn’t have been able to secure the championship until the last race due to the lack of a defined penalty limit. All the mathematical scenarios will be irrelevant."
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The user added: "While I don’t have much faith that the FIA has fully thought this through, one effect of this rule will be that Abu Dhabi will be the venue where the championship is decided, year after year."
SPORTbible has contacted the FIA for comment.
While it is currently unknown how exactly the punishments would be handed out, this is yet another controversial topic related to the FIA.
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During the 2024 season, Max Verstappen was punished after saying the word 'f**k' during a press conference.
The Dutchman was ordered to conduct community service as a result of his comment.
At the time, Lewis Hamilton branded the decision as 'a bit of a joke'.
The 2025 F1 season will begin in March with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.
Topics: Formula 1, Fan Reactions, FIA
Marcus Chan