Bin Sulayem's compromise offer! Curse conflict settled?

(Motorsport-Total.com) - Following persistent criticism of the strict interpretation of Appendix B of theInternational Sporting Code (ISC), FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem is open to adjustments. In a statement, he announced that he would consider improvements to the controversial language rule, which provides for sanctions for "inappropriate language."

At the start of the 2025 season, the FIA ​​announced a tightening of the rules: Anyone using swear words or inappropriate expressions at events can expect fines or even bans.

The case of Adrien Fourmaux caused particular controversy. The WRC driver made indiscreet comments in a TV interview after a special stage at the Rally Sweden in February – and was fined €10,000 , in addition to a suspended €20,000 fine.

After numerous feedback from drivers from the various FIA World Championships and an interview boycott by the drivers at the Safari Rally, the leadership of the world automobile association is now reacting.

In a social media post, bin Sulayem explains: "Following constructive feedback from drivers across our seven world championships, I am reviewing improvements to Appendix B. As a former rally driver, I understand the pressures they face better than many."

The language regulations for Formula 1 had already been relaxed: spontaneous emotional outbursts, for example on the radio or in the Parc Ferme, will no longer be punished.

A similar agreement was also reached in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Since the Canary Islands Rally, a distinction has been made between controlled and uncontrolled zones – spontaneous speech is no longer sanctioned in interviews immediately after stages or on the radio.

This step followed a silent protest by the WRC drivers, who either did not speak at all during the Safari Rally or only responded in their native language.

Ben Sulayem emphasizes: "Appendix B is a central component of the International Sporting Code and helps keep our sport accessible to all members of the motorsport family. People make the rules, and people can improve the rules. This principle of continuous improvement has always been part of my belief and is at the core of our work at the FIA."

This wasn't the first time during bin Sulayem's tenure that he clashed with drivers over his particularly strict interpretation of the rules. In 2022, he clashed with Formula 1 drivers for the first time over piercings . A compromise was reached then, too.