The FIA’s controversial punishments for F1 drivers for swearing is set to be a key talking point throughout the 2025 season.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem issued a crackdown on swearing last year in response to drivers’ foul language over the radio.
World Rally Championship driver Adrien Fourmaux was recently hit with a 30,000 euro fine (roughly £24,900) for using the F-word on a live TV broadcast at Rally Sweden. Drivers in F1 will be handed even stricter punishments for the same offence.
A first offence will see a 40,000 euro fine (£33,100) and a second offence will be an 80,000 fine (£66,300) and a one-month suspension. Drivers who commit a third offence will receive an unspecified points deduction as well as a one-month ban and a 120,000 euro fine (£99,100).
Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were both sanctioned by the FIA for using the F-word in press conferences in 2024. The former was given community service hours while the latter was fined 10,000 euros (£8,300).
Verstappen retaliated by refusing to answer questions in press conferences afterwards. The FIA’s harsh penalties have been met with mixed receptions from key F1 figures.
Oliver Bearman says he cannot afford to pay FIA’s fines for swearing in 2025
Guenther Steiner agrees with Verstappen on the swearing row, believing drivers have freedom of speech. Meanwhile, McLaren boss Zak Brown agrees with the punishments as he sees ‘no reason’ for drivers to swear.
With the severity of the punishments, drivers will have to keep tabs on what they say over the radio or to the media – particularly the rookies.
Oliver Bearman is entering his first full season in F1 this year with Haas. The Brit impressed the team with his three sub appearances last season – scoring seven points in the process.
READ MORE: Who is 2025 Haas driver Oliver Bearman? Everything to know
Speaking on the RacingNews365 YouTube channel, journalist Ian Parkes shared that Bearman said at the F1 75 launch event that he ‘couldn’t afford’ to pay the FIA’s fines. The 19-year-old earns £300k-a-year at Haas with his multi-year contract.
“This year, just in case you’re not aware folks, a driver, should they be punished for swearing will initially get a 40,000 euro fine. That’s 400% over any other junior series so that gives you some idea,” said Parkes.
“I mean, one of the drivers today turned round and said it’s one of those that he couldn’t afford if the fine was levelled against him, so it gives you some idea.
“Ollie Bearman. Ollie Bearman was the driver who turned round and said he couldn’t afford it. He’s a rookie at the end of the day, he’s not going to be on a massive salary. 40,000 euros for one swear word, it’s a lot.”
Oliver Bearman is already a ‘fan favourite’ after F1 75 launch event
Bearman is one of six new full-time drivers on the grid in 2025 – and the Brit arguably has the most hype surrounding him going into the new season.
Bearman was a ‘fan favourite’ at the F1 75 launch event where all 10 teams revealed their 2025 liveries. The crowd gave the latest Brit on the grid a huge cheer as he stepped on stage with teammate Esteban Ocon.
The 19-year-old will look to carry that support into his first full assault at F1 this season. Bearman knows he has to get stronger and stronger in 2025, but by the way he was driving last year, that should not be an issue.
If that may seem like a bold prediction, the Brit has some huge targets himself. Bearman wants to achieve a podium with Haas – the American team have not scored one heading into their 10th season in the sport.
