The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) seems to be in the middle of a legislative overhaul for the 2025 season, as the governing body of motorsports changes its sporting code yet again — and free speech is on the chopping block next, according to new reports.

The FIA has issued new guidelines that could see F1 drivers face hefty fines, points deductions, and a one-month suspension or more for repeated misconduct violations.

F1 drivers could face a race ban this year if they repeatedly swear or criticise the FIA under controversial new rules published this week. Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen received community service, visiting a grassroots motorsport programme in Rwanda, after swearing at a press conference in Singapore last year.

Sky Sports F1 pundit Martin Brundle is the first big name in the paddock to react to the FIA's introduction of potential bans and points deductions for drivers guilty of swearing, among other infringe

Several Formula 1 drivers have been critical of the FIA on several occasions, especially during the 2024 season. However, there is not only frustration in F1, but also in other racing classes where the governing body rules.

A fiery 2024 Formula 1 season led to the broadcast of some, shall we say, PG-13 language over team radio channels, leading to FIA President Mohamed Ben Sualyem limiting even censored recordings of foul-mouthed drivers last September.

The FIA has released a series of new stewards' penalty guidelines that could result in drivers receiving fines, points deductions and even racing bans.