WRC

WRC and FIA reach consensus on vocabulary penalties

Rally drivers get flexibility in post-stage interviews

Photos : Red Bull Content Pool
2025/04/22
España

The World Rally Drivers' Alliance (WoRDA) has secured a significant commitment from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) regarding penalties for inappropriate language use during competitions. The agreement, which takes effect starting with the Rally Islas Canarias, establishes different control zones for penalty application.

Tension between drivers and the FIA arose after Adrien Fourmaux received a €10,000 fine plus an additional suspended €20,000 penalty for swearing during a televised interview following February's Rally Sweden. This incident led drivers to form WoRDA and decide either not to speak or to only use their native language during post-stage interviews at last month's Safari Rally Kenya.

Controlled vs uncontrolled zones

After intense negotiations between WoRDA, led by eight-time world champion co-driver Julien Ingrassia, and FIA representatives, a clear distinction has been established between "controlled zones" and "uncontrolled zones" during events.

Photo By Red Bull Content Pool

We reached a very good agreement. We've now decided that the rally itinerary is divided into two zones. What I told WoRDA members is basically that we need to trust this agreement and the FIA also trusts us. I told them to be themselves and put on the best show they can in the Canary Islands.

According to the new agreement, controlled zones include press conferences and official media areas, where drivers have more time to reflect. In these spaces, Appendix B of the International Sporting Code will be fully applied.

On the other hand, uncontrolled zones encompass post-stage interviews, team radio communications, and the stages themselves. In these contexts, where emotions run high, swearing won't be penalized as long as it doesn't include violence or serious misconduct.

Photo By Red Bull Content Pool

Contrast with Formula 1 situation

While WRC has achieved this flexibility, Formula 1 maintains a more restrictive environment regarding driver statements. After the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen avoided criticizing a penalty he received during the race, commenting: "I have no comments. Because if I say something, I'll get fined again."

Under Mohammed Ben Sulayem's leadership, the FIA has toughened enforcement of Article 12.2.1.f of the International Sporting Code, which provides for penalties for "inappropriate conduct." Charles Leclerc was fined €10,000 (€5,000 suspended) in October 2024 for swearing during a press conference at the Mexican GP. Verstappen was sanctioned in 2024 with community service for referring to his car with a vulgar expression in Singapore.

A precedent for motorsport

This agreement between WoRDA and the FIA sets an important precedent for handling language-related infractions in world motorsport. The reached solution aims to maintain the sport's authenticity and passion while recognizing the need to uphold certain standards in more formal contexts.

Post-stage interviews will resume normally starting with Rally Islas Canarias, allowing fans to enjoy drivers' genuine reactions without the filter imposed by fear of penalties.

WRC