Before the weekend's race in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Formula 1's governing body has reduced the controversial penalties imposed on drivers for swearing.
Among others, Max Verstappen has been vocal in his criticism – not least after being penalized for swearing at a press conference in Singapore. An open letter has also been sent to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, urging him to change the rules.
And now, drivers will no longer risk being disqualified, and the maximum basic fine will be reduced from approximately 110,000 kronor to 55,000 kronor, FIA announces.
The new guidelines also mean that race leaders will assess whether the outbursts occur under "controlled" or "uncontrolled" circumstances.
Thus, swearing at press conferences can still be penalized, but will be overlooked during the race.
Something Williams' Carlos Sainz welcomes.
"I don't think you can be tough on these things, because they can't understand the pressure, the adrenaline, and how we feel in the car when we talk on the radio", he said at a press conference in February.
