Wurz: F1 drivers never consulted on new FIA misconduct rules
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Alex Wurz, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, has revealed that F1's drivers learned of the FIA's new misconduct guidelines through media reports.
The stricter rules for 2025, which include potential point deductions and even race bans for drivers who repeatedly swear or criticize the FIA, were introduced without any consultation with the GPDA.
The revelation adds another layer of tension between the drivers and the sport's governing body, with Wurz lamenting the lack of dialogue between the two parties.
FIA's Crackdown: Swearing and Criticism Now Punishable Offenses
The FIA's revised International Sporting Code introduces stricter penalties for drivers who swear or criticize the governing body, with potential punishments ranging from points deductions to outright bans.
The move follows an incident involving reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who was handed a public service order for using an expletive during an FIA press conference at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was also fined 10,000 euros – half of which was suspended – for swearing during a press conference at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been vocal about his desire to eliminate swearing from F1's public image. However, Wurz, a former F1 driver himself, has revealed that the FIA never bothered to consult or inform the GPDA before announcing its sweeping changes.
Wurz: No Consultation, No Collaboration
"There was no consultation," Wurz stated bluntly, quoted by RacingNews365. "We have read that through the media."
The Austrian's comments underline the growing frustration among drivers, who feel that they are being dictated to rather than engaged with when it comes to rule changes that directly impact them.
Wurz pointed to other sports, like the NFL, where players' unions are involved in the decision-making process, contrasting this with the FIA's unilateral approach.
"Could be room for improvement that we [the FIA and the GPDA] are working out [these things] together," Wurz remarked.
"If there's a comparison with, for example, the NFL in America, they do have unionisation of NFL players, and they are involved in the process.
"In this case, we are not involved. I'm not sure if the FIA has involved their own FIA drivers' commission. That's something I don't know about.
Despite the controversy, Wurz took a lighthearted approach to the FIA's expected windfall from driver penalties: "Let's hope that we don't have many fines being collected."
What's Next for the GPDA?
The GPDA has yet to meet to formally discuss the new regulations, given the packed schedules of the drivers in the early part of the season. Wurz acknowledged the logistical challenges but insisted that the matter will be addressed.
"We have not managed to get together," he admitted.
"Drivers are in a very busy period, I don't want to stress them. It's in the rules. It's not something we can change on an ad hoc basis."
However, a meeting is inevitable as drivers assess their next steps.
"Of course, we're going to get together. We'll then convene and discuss what we are doing and what our course of action is."
For now, Wurz had one simple piece of advice: "The best action is not to swear. Quite simple."
A Growing Divide?
The FIA's handling of the misconduct rules is the latest in a series of flashpoints between the governing body and the drivers.
With tensions already high over various regulatory changes, the GPDA's exclusion from the decision-making process only deepens concerns about transparency and cooperation in Formula 1's governance.
How the drivers choose to respond remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – communication between the FIA and its athletes needs urgent improvement.
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