The leading drivers in the World Rally Championship have called for an urgent discussion with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in an effort to contain what it sees an an unacceptable increase in sanctions again swearing.
Hyundai driver Adrien Fourmaux became the first driver to be fined under the guidelines of Appendix 12.2.1 of the FIA’s 2025 International Sporting Code. The Frenchman used the word “f*****” in his TV interview following the final stage of Rally Sweden.
Fourmaux was hit with a €30,000 fine, €20,000 of which was suspended for 12 months.
The World Rally Drivers Alliance (WoRDA) issued a statement on Monday, calling for discussion and a mutually agreeable solution.
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The WoRDA statement in full:
The Rally Drivers and Co-drivers of WoRDA, inspired by their GPDA colleagues, join together to express their opinion, seek clarity and co-operate towards a brighter future.
First and foremost, we wish to state that, as is the case with every sport, competitors must abide by the referees’ decision. The respect of this principle is not in question.
We are not all full-time professionals, yet we all face the same extreme conditions with the same relentless passion. Whether navigating through dense forest, across frozen roads in the dead of night, or through the dust of treacherous gravel tracks, we push ourselves to the limit – against the elements, against the clock, and against their own limits.
Beyond racing, our role has expanded. Today, rally drivers and co-drivers are not only athletes but also entertainers, content creators, and constant media figures. From the smart phones of spectators to the official WRC cameras, we are expected to be available at all times – before, during, and after competition, from dawn to dusk.
WoRDA has always recognized our responsibilities and commitment to collaborate in a constructive way with all stakeholders, including the FIA president, in order to promote and elevate our outstanding sport for the benefit of all.
In recent months, however, there has been an alarming increase in the severity of sanctions imposed for minor, isolated and unintentional language lapses. This reached an unacceptable level.
We strongly believe that:
– Common colloquialism cannot be considered and judged as equal to genuine insult or act of aggression
– Non mother-tongue speakers may use or repeat terms without full awareness of their meaning and connotation
– Seconds after an extreme adrenaline spike, it is unrealistic to expect a perfect and systematic control over emotions.
Drivers are under more scrutiny than ever before for what they say in interviews
Rally is extreme: risk level for the athletes, intensity of the focus, length of the days… all the limits are reached.
In such a case we question the relevance and validity of imposing any sort of penalty. Moreover, the exorbitant fines are vastly disproportionate to the average income and budget in rallying.
We are also concerned with the public impression these excessive sums create in the minds of the fans, suggesting this is an industry where money doesn’t matter.
This also raises a fundamental question: where does the money from these fines go? The lack of transparency only amplifies concerns and undermines confidence in the system.
Surely the negative impressions surrounding these penalties far outweigh the impact of any language lapse.
We call for a direct communication and engagement between the FIA president and WoRDA members to find a mutually agreeable and urgent solution.
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The letter was signed by the entire 2025 Rally1 field, as well as select WRC2 crews and eight-time world champion Julien Ingrassia.
DirtFish has sought comment from the FIA.
