FIA Says "No No" to Naughty Words

Dealing with the FIA is like trying to reason with a toddler who's convinced their crayons can talk. You try to explain the logic, but they just throw a tantrum and smear colors all over the walls.

NEWS FLASH

F1 75 at the O2 kicked off: Whitehall's roasts hit the mark, but the event's pacing stalled. The inaugural season kickoff, hosted by the comedian, saw some serious ribbing, especially between Verstappen and Russell. While the event generated excitement for the upcoming season, its duration drew some criticism, so watch the highlights here instead.

Aston Martin THOR Team is set to embark on a "monumental" journey with their Valkyrie hypercar, competing in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The team's rapid growth from a single GT3 car in 2020 to a contender in top-tier motorsport is a testament to their dedication and expertise. With a packed schedule and high expectations, Aston Martin THOR Team is ready to take on the world's best, one lap at a time.

Start your engines! iRacing is dropping NASCAR 25, a new NASCAR game hitting PCs and consoles this fall. This ain't your average racing game; it's got a full-blown Career Mode where you climb the ranks from ARCA to the Cup Series, signing contracts, hiring staff, and schmoozing your way to the top. With the masterminds behind iRacing at the helm, this game promises to be the most realistic NASCAR experience yet.

SIM RACING SNIPPETS

• Buckle up, buttercup: This ain't your grandma's nature documentary! This hilarious video dives headfirst into the wacky world of sim racers, exposing their questionable habits, sacred rituals, and the inevitable existential crisis that comes with being a digital racing legend.

• Fanatec Endgame Cockpit: The ClubSport GT Cockpit is an easily adjustable, immersive, and unique sim racing cockpit with broad peripheral compatibility and a sturdy steel frame construction. It looks like it could be an end game cockpit for most sim racers.

• Does it get more budget than this? Gioteck's FR5 Racing Wheel lets you level up your racing game without breaking the bank (or your desk). This nifty little gadget clips onto your PlayStation 5 DualSense controller and offers a surprisingly immersive experience with its motion sensor support and self-centering wheel.

• iRacing’s February development update is out: Our verdict? Overall, it’s awesome as usual. They address the graphics engine updates, progress on lighting system, new tracks, new cars, and finally.. A connection flag that kicks those who lag! (too much)

MOTORSPORTS REPORT

• IndyCar legend Tony Kanaan, who won the IndyCar Series championship in 2004 and the Indianapolis 500 in 2013, has been promoted to team principal of McLaren's IndyCar organization. Kanaan, 50, had been the team's deputy boss since the end of the 2024 season after serving as a special advisor.   

• Max Verstappen thinks the FIA should chill out about drivers swearing and focus on more important F1 issues, like safety and car performance. He thinks the FIA is being a bit extra with their new rules, which could see drivers fined over €120,000 and suspended for a month for swearing too much.

• William Byron is on the verge… of joining an elite group of NASCAR drivers if he wins the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday. Only five drivers in NASCAR history have won the first two races of the season, and Byron is looking to add his name to that list.

THE SPOTLIGHT

FIA's New Swearing Rule: A Grand Prix of Profanity?

The FIA, motorsport's governing body, has finally implemented its controversial new rule aimed at curbing drivers' colorful language. This rule, officially known as Article 12.2.1.l of the 2025 FIA International Sporting Code, has been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting the FIA's efforts to promote professionalism and respect, while others criticize it as an unnecessary restriction on freedom of expression and a distraction from more important issues.

So, what exactly does this new rule say?

• Drivers can be fined for swearing, making offensive gestures, and any behavior that could be considered disrespectful or unprofessional.

• The rule applies to written communication and social media.

• Drivers are prohibited from making political, religious, or personal statements without prior written approval from the FIA.

• Fines for violations of the rule can reach as high as €45,000.

The first driver to fall foul of this new rule was Adrien Fourmaux, a French driver competing in the WRC. During a post-stage interview at Rally Sweden, Fourmaux used the phrase "we fucked up yesterday" in reference to mistakes he had made during the previous day's stages, including crashing his car and forgetting to fasten his helmet. The commentator on Rally.TV immediately apologized for Fourmaux's language during the live broadcast.

Despite the apology, the FIA stewards reviewed the incident and handed Fourmaux a €10,000 fine with a further €20,000 suspended for 12 months. If Fourmaux refrains from any further swearing offenses within the 12-month period, the suspended portion of the fine will be erased.

The FIA has defended its new swearing rule, arguing that it is necessary to maintain a professional and respectful environment in motorsport. They have also pointed out that other sports organizations, such as the NFL and FIFA, have similar rules in place to prevent the use of inappropriate language.

What do you think of the FIA's new swearing rule? Is it a necessary step to promote professionalism and respect in motorsport, or is it an unnecessary restriction on freedom of expression?

SAD BUT TRUE

Things every sim racer has done:

Whether you like it or not, there’s a 99% chance you’re guilty of at least one of these things below.

• Been involved in a turn 1 incident

• Left the qualifying setup on

• Received a pit speeding penalty

• Sent it into turn 1

• Said you won’t buy more gear

• Forgot to fuel or change tires during a pit stop

• Passed on the left during a green flag start before the start finish (oval racers)

If you haven't done at least one of these things... You're not a sim racer. What are some other things every sim racer has done? Let us know on Twitter! Or email us. Thanks to Abruzzi for the inspiration on this list we reworked a little more.

AROUND THE WEB

During this week: Kevin Harvick snagged the 2007 Daytona 500 win by a hair—0.020 seconds! It was the closest finish EVER, leaving everyone speechless.

That’s neat: Michael Andretti's Super Vee beast roared to victory in the 1982 Robert Bosch/Volkswagen Championship series. It was just listed and sold here on bringatrailer.

Wow: Formula 1 cars generate so much downforce at high speeds that they could theoretically drive upside down.

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