While all eyes were on Fiorano and the track debut with Ferrari of seven-time British world champion Lewis Hamilton, the FIA published on Wednesday evening a new version of the International Sporting Code which will apply to all its competitions including F1. Thus, the guidelines are even stricter for any violation of the regulations and provide for heavy fines, and even a possible withdrawal of points or suspension in the event of a repeat offense.
After a 2024 season marked by several sanctions which caused an outcry among the drivers, such as community service imposed on quadruple Dutch world champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull) or a heavy fine imposed on Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) for swearing at a press conference, the FIA decided to toughen up its tone, particularly in the face of rudeness and criticism towards the stewards.
A scale of sanctions has been revealed with fines ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 euros for a first offense, from 20,000 to 30,000 euros for a repeat offense and 30,000 to 45,000 euros for a second offense. But these amounts will be multiplied by four for Formula 1 drivers, by three for those competing in world rally championships (WRC) or endurance (WEC) and by two for participants in regional championships. The WRC season begins this Thursday with the Monte-Carlo rally. That of F1 will begin in mid-March in Melbourne.
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