M8 Rally Sweden stewards fined Adrien Fourmaux €10,000 ($10,500), with an additional €20,000 ($21,000) suspended for 12 months, for using inappropriate language during a live-streamed power stage interview.

The Hyundai factory driver had been in contention for victory until a series of setbacks, including forgetting to fasten his helmet and beaching his i20 N Rally1 in a snowbank. During his post-stage interview, Fourmaux used profanity while describing his previous day's performance, violating FIA Article 12.2.1.l of the 2025 International Sporting Code.

The stewards considered several mitigating factors:

• First-time offense
• English not being his native language
• Self-referential nature of the comment
• Immediate acknowledgment and apology
• Voluntary commitment to post a public apology

This incident follows the FIA's recent stringent stance on inappropriate language in motorsport. The governing body can now impose fines, month-long bans, and point deductions for repeat criticisms or misconduct. The policy gained attention in late 2024 when F1 Champion Max Verstappen faced sanctions for similar language use during a Singapore press conference.

The new appendix to the International Sporting Code specifies penalties for misconduct that causes "moral injury or loss to the FIA," with Formula 1 receiving the highest fines. This enforcement reflects the FIA's commitment to maintaining professional standards in motorsport communications.

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