Good news for the F1 grid? FIA makes huge change

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, recently mentioned he was considering changes to Appendix B of the International Sporting Code. Today, those changes were announced in a press release.

After being introduced in January, the changes made to Appendix B were met with outrage and controversy.

Changes made to Appendix B

One of the significant changes is the reduction in monetary fines. They have been reduced to €5,000 instead of €10,000.

In the FIA Press release regarding Appendix B they detailed exactly what was to change.

They said: " "The main changes to Appendix B are as follows:

• The base maximum penalty has been reduced generally from €10,000 to €5,000. This is a reduction of 50%.  However, for FIA World Championships, where multipliers were involved, the reductions will be even more significant.
• Stewards will have the option to fully suspend a penalty for certain types of breach, provided it is the first offence by the driver or team.
• Following approval via e-vote by the WMSC, the amended Appendix B will allow stewards to differentiate between controlled and non-controlled environments, effectively recognising the difference between language used in 'uncontrolled' and 'controlled' environments. Controlled environments include settings such as press conferences, while uncontrolled environments refer to spontaneous comments made by drivers or teams when on track or during a rally stage.
• Mitigating circumstances will continue to be considered, with additional guidance available to promote consistency and fairness for all parties in the application of Appendix B.
• Abuse of officials will now result in sporting penalties rather than fines, aligning motor sport with other major global sports organisations
• Racial and discriminatory comments will continue to be addressed firmly"." 

Regarding this move from the FIA, Ben Sulayem said, "As a former rally driver, I know firsthand the range of emotions that are faced during competition. I have led an extensive and collaborative review with contributions from across the seven FIA World Championships, FIA Member Clubs and other motor sports organisations.“

"The improvements the FIA has announced today to Appendix B will ensure we continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motor sport, while also giving Stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may bring the sport into disrepute. The FIA will always be committed to ensuring motor sport is accessible for all our sporting family.”

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