The FIA's publication of new guidelines that open the door to driver bans , loss of points and hefty fines for "misconduct" caught many in Formula 1 by surprise on Wednesday night. The issue of driver conduct, which had emerged as a hot topic at the end of last year, seemed to have faded away over the winter, but the introduction of such draconian sanctions has put it back in the spotlight. However, the latest development is something much bigger than simply being about how drivers act in public.
Instead, what is at play are two ongoing themes: the first is the relationship between motor racing's governing body and the drivers, and the second involves the way FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is ruling things. The tough approach taken with the guidelines fits in with the hardline stance that Ben Sulayem has taken over many matters - and in particular driver behaviour.
This came to a head at the Singapore Grand Prix when Ben Sulayem said he wanted to see drivers swear less - and world champion Max Verstappen was sanctioned for cursing in a press conference. While Ben Sulayem's crusade on the matter has earned him some criticism, he has proved to be defiant. He has repeatedly made clear that his only focus is on doing what he feels is best for FIA members. He claims he is duty-bound to ensure rules are respected and enforced. I ask you because it's the stewards.
It's not me. It's the stewards. So you go and ask them, why is that? From the FIA's perspective, the introduction of the guidelines is simply the next step in Ben Sulayem's push to ensure rules are followed. As the governing body has explained, going public with the guidelines is motivated by a desire to enhance transparency and consistency in the decision-making process of stewards.
In its eyes, laying out advice on the type of sanctions that should be given should help avoid scenarios like last year's - where many did not understand why Verstappen was given a day's community service for what he did in Singapore, while Charles Leclerc got away with a fine for using similar words in Mexico. An FIA statement said: "The aim of this new appendix is to provide clear guidance to stewards regarding the penalties for violations of specific ISC articles.
