WRC drivers respond with silence to FIA sanctions in Kenya

During the 2025 Kenya Safari Rally, post-stage interviews have undergone a notable change. Drivers are providing very brief responses or using their native languages, making it difficult for much of the audience to understand.

This shift in the participants' behavior arises as an organized response to what they consider excessive restrictions by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The situation began when Adrien Fourmaux was fined €30,000 (€10,000 immediate payment and €20,000 suspended) for using a colloquial expression during an interview after a stage in the Rally Sweden.

Drivers' Reaction

The drivers' reaction has been clear. Figures like Takamoto Katsuta, known for his detailed statements, now limit their responses to the minimum. Other participants choose to speak exclusively in their native languages, a way to express their disagreement with the imposed linguistic norms.

WoRDA: A Drivers' Organization

The penalty against Fourmaux led to the creation of the World Rally Drivers' Alliance (WoRDA), an organization modeled after the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) in Formula 1 to collectively represent the competitors.

WoRDA highlights the difficulty of maintaining spontaneity while complying with regulations that penalize natural expressions in high-pressure situations. The drivers acknowledge the importance of appropriate language but believe that current penalties do not sufficiently consider the context of competitions.

The organization has requested a meeting with Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, to discuss what they perceive as an imbalance between the institutional image of the sport and the authentic communication of its protagonists.

Faced with the lack of an immediate response from the FIA, the drivers decided to implement changes in their interaction with the media during the event in Kenya.

Public Responsibility and Sporting Context

The FIA's response following the actions during the shakedown in Kenya reflects the different aspects of the debate. The governing body maintains its stance on "inappropriate language," stating that drivers are "role models for young fans" and "ambassadors of global motorsport."

However, the FIA has also indicated that "it is crucial to assess situations case by case," suggesting some willingness to consider specific circumstances. Its statement mentions that its regulations are "in line with those adopted by equivalent organizations in world sports championships."

The discussion raises questions about the balance between the formal representation of the sport and the genuine expression of emotions in high-intensity competitive situations.

Authenticity in Sports Communication

Kalle Rovanperä, the current champion, expresses the drivers' position: "If this is what we need to do to make a difference, we will do it." This statement reflects the competitors' commitment to defending a degree of naturalness in their communication.

Ott Tänak provides an important contextual element: "Adrenaline can be quite high at the end of the stage." This observation underscores the difficulty of maintaining complete control over language in moments of heightened emotional intensity.

The tension between spontaneity and formal regulations unfolds in an environment where live broadcasts and social media amplify every statement. The drivers argue that expectations of absolute language control under maximum pressure conditions can affect the authentic connection with fans.

Pathways for Dialogue

The FIA has confirmed that it will establish a communication channel with the drivers after the Safari Rally. This initiative will include the participation of Ronan Morgan and Petter Solberg, well-known figures in the rally world, along with Emilia Abel, a representative of the junior categories.

This approach follows a procedure similar to that used with Formula 1 drivers in Melbourne, where aspects of the code of conduct were also addressed. The inclusion of Solberg, a former driver known for his direct communication style, could facilitate understanding between the parties.

Meanwhile, the current situation temporarily alters the media dynamics of the Safari Rally, with fans observing a change in the usual format of post-stage statements.

The goal for both sides will be to find a balance that maintains the values of the sport while adequately considering the specific context of rally competitions. Resolving this situation could establish important criteria regarding the boundaries of expression in motorsport and the public responsibility of its protagonists.