The FIA has now updated the International Sporting Code with the changes that was approved during the General Assembly.
The FIA at that time noted about two big changes to the 2023 International Sporting Code, one was related to driver conduct and the other being gardening period for President and his Deputy leaving the governing body to join any team/series that the body governs.
It has now updated the International Sporting Code talking about driver conduct under Article 12.2.1.n and 12.2.1.o, where the FIA has more or less directed drivers of F1 and all the other championships to not make any political, religious and personal comments.
They can only do it if it has been approved by the FIA for International Competitions. The two articles have been added under Article 12.2 and comes at a time when most drivers have chosen to share their views and display them during the race weekends.
Since F1 is the most widely watched competition among the FIA championships, the major hurdle will come against them. The last few years has seen growing use of the platform to make statements which has been received with a mixed response.
Here’s what the FIA has mentioned:
- 12.2.1.n The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction.
- 12.2.1.o Failure to comply with the instructions of the FIA regarding the appointment and participation of persons during official ceremonies at any Competition counting towards a FIA Championship.
In another change, the FIA has requested the power unit suppliers of F1 and also the cars in Formula E to register their staff members – as per Article 2.6.5. The governing body can withheld and or cancel the registration if they are found in breach of Article 12.2.
Here’s the full International Sporting Code: https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/2023_international_sporting_code_fr-en_track_changes_19.12.2022.pdf
UPDATE: Following the social media reaction to the amendments, the FIA has shared a response noting that the changes has been done to maintain ‘political neutrality’ as per the International Olympic Association. Additionally, they stated about focusing more underrepresentation.
“The ISC has been updated in alignment with the political neutrality of sport as a universal fundamental ethical principle of the Olympic Movement, enshrined in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Code of Ethics,” it stated. “Together with the principle of the universality set out in Article 1.2. Additionally as stated in Article 1.2 of the FIA Statutes,the FIA shall promote the protection of human rights and human dignity,and refrain from manifesting discrimination on account of race, skin colour, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or social origin, language, religion, philosophical or political opinion, family situation or disability in the course of its activities and from taking any action in this respect.
The FIA will focus on underrepresented groups in order to achieve a more balanced representation of gender and race and to create a more diverse and inclusive culture. For background – it’s always been the norm to have a dialogue and agreement with competitors. This update essentially just formalises that in line with the IOC framework.”
Here’s Ross Brawn on F1 weekend format
Here’s F1 drivers on the 2022 changes
Here’s F1 2023 entry list
Here’s fan creating metal version of F1 theme
Here’s FIA on some International Sporting Code changes
