MADRID, 24 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has toughened its sanctions, both financial and loss of points, for Formula 1 drivers who violate the “general principle of neutrality”, after updating its own International Sports Code (CDI) this Thursday.
“The stewards have the authority to decide what sanction to apply in the event of non-compliance with the International Sports Code (ISC) or the applicable FIA rules. The stewards reserve the right to take into account mitigating or aggravating circumstances, as well as the nature and location of the event, to adapt the sanction to the specific situation,” the FIA said in an official document.
Appendix B of the CDI published a “guide to help stewards determine sanctions” for violating “certain articles” of such regulations. The first offense will be fined 10,000 euros for “any word, act or writing that has caused moral damage or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its directors and, more generally, to the interest of motor sport and the values defended.” by the FIA”.
The same will be punished with 20,000 euros and a month’s suspension if it is a second offense, and with 30,000 euros along with a month’s suspension and loss of points in the World Championship if it is a third offense. The same will happen for “any improper conduct”, defined in article 20 of the CDI, and for “any public incitement to violence or hatred.”
Likewise, in identical amounts they will fine “the making and display in general of political, religious and personal statements or comments, particularly in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA in its Statutes.”
The document added that there will also be “public apology and repudiation of comments”, although it will happen “unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for international competitions or by the relevant sporting authority for national competitions within its jurisdiction.”
The fines will rise respectively to 15,000, 30,000 and 45,000 euros for first, second and third offenses in the “failure to comply with FIA instructions relating to the appointment and participation of persons during the official ceremonies of any competition that counts towards an FIA championship “, according to this Thursday’s note.
What will be controversial for F1 drivers will be that their event has a Level 4 label, the highest level classified by the FIA when it comes to applying sanctions. This will mean that each and every one of the fines imposed in the next World Cup will be multiplied by four.