FIA backs down in F1 swearing row by cutting drivers’ fines in half

The FIA has softened its stance on drivers using profanity during on-track or off-track incidents, halving penalties and giving stewards discretion to differentiate between misconduct in controlled versus uncontrolled environments. Drivers like Max Verstappen have criticized the policy, which initially penalized him for swearing during a Singapore Grand Prix press conference. Stewards now face clearer guidelines to apply penalties based on context, aiming to balance enforcement while preserving the sport's competitive integrity ahead of an Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix this weekend.