WRC Drivers Unite in Response to FIA's Strict Language Policy
World Rally Championship drivers have collectively responded to the FIA's recent clampdown on swearing and inappropriate language in motorsport. The response comes after several high-profile incidents involving penalties for language-related infractions.
Rally car racing on snowy track
The FIA's new rules impose escalating penalties for language violations:
- First offense: €10,000 fine
- Second offense: €20,000 fine plus suspended one-month suspension
- Third offense: €30,000 fine, one-month suspension, and championship points deduction
The World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA) has issued a formal statement highlighting several key concerns:
- Disproportionate Penalties
- Sanctions have become increasingly severe for minor language infractions
- Fines are excessive compared to average rallying incomes
- Same penalties apply to both professional and amateur competitors
- Practical Challenges
- High-adrenaline situations make emotional control difficult
- Non-native speakers may use terms without full understanding
- Common colloquialisms shouldn't be treated as deliberate insults
- Key Requests
- Greater transparency about where fine money is allocated
- Direct communication with FIA President
- Review of current penalty structure
- Consideration of context in language infractions
Notable recent incidents include:
- Adrien Fourmaux's €10,000 fine (plus suspended €20,000) for swearing during Rally Sweden
- Sebastien Ogier's €30,000 fine for criticizing officials at Rally Chile
- Max Verstappen's community service punishment for swearing at Singapore GP
The statement has been signed by the entire Rally1 field, including former co-driver Julien Ingrassia and leading WRC2 competitors. WoRDA emphasizes their willingness to cooperate with the FIA while seeking a more balanced approach to language regulations in rallying.
The drivers acknowledge their expanded roles as athletes, entertainers, and media figures, but stress the need for realistic expectations given the extreme nature of rally racing and its unique challenges.