The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) seems to be in the middle of a legislative overhaul for the 2025 season, as the governing body of motorsports changes its sporting code yet again — and free speech is on the chopping block next, according to new reports.

Several Formula 1 drivers have been critical of the FIA on several occasions, especially during the 2024 season. However, there is not only frustration in F1, but also in other racing classes where the governing body rules.

The FIA has issued new guidelines that could see F1 drivers face hefty fines, points deductions, and a one-month suspension or more for repeated misconduct violations.

F1 drivers face bans if they repeatedly swear or criticise the sport's governing body under changes to the FIA's sporting code for the 2025 season.

The FIA revealed last week that a raft of controversial anti-swearing and anti-criticism laws will be in place for all top-level motorsport categories, including Formula 1. Drivers and team personnel are now having their say on these new rules and the FIA as a whole.

Formula 1 drivers could face points deductions or bans if they repeatedly swear or criticize the sport's governing body under revised misconduct guidelines issued by the FIA.

With the news that drivers who verbally discredit the FIA - or at least the motorsport federation's standards - will face a hefty fine and possible suspension, President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and his crew have reportedly made many drivers unhappy.

A fiery 2024 Formula 1 season led to the broadcast of some, shall we say, PG-13 language over team radio channels, leading to FIA President Mohamed Ben Sualyem limiting even censored recordings of foul-mouthed drivers last September.