F1 drivers could face racing bans for swearing according to new radio rules

The FIA has released a series of new stewards' penalty guidelines that could result in drivers receiving fines, points deductions and even racing bans for swearing over the radio. 

The FIA issued an updated version of its sporting code regarding misconduct, to which they describe misconduct as:

"The general use of language (written or verbal), gesture and/or sign that is offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive and might reasonably be expected or be perceived to be coarse or rude or to cause offense, humiliation or to be inappropriate", "assaulting (elbowing, kicking, punching, hitting, etc.)," and "incitement to do any of the above."

These new guidelines include penalties, with fines starting at $40,000 for the first offense, $80,000 plus a one-month suspension for the second offense, and finally, a $120,000 plus an actual one-month suspension and points deduction for the third offense. 

The FIA will issue penalties for any offense that "causes moral injury or loss to the FIA."

The governing body began to crack down on drivers swearing late last season after Max Verstappen used profanity in a news conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. The four-time world champion had to complete a "work of public interest" as a punishment. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was fined $10,000 last season for swearing during a news conference at the Mexican Grand Prix. 

This harsh crackdown comes amid a clash between the FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, and the GPDA, the Grand Prix Drivers' Association. Just two months ago, Mercedes driver and head director of the GPDA George Russell said he and his colleagues were "a bit fed up" with the FIA leadership. 

The drivers and everyone on the team are adults, and punishing the drivers for swearing over the radio in the heat of competition seems a bit drastic when more significant issues must be handled.