'F1 drivers furious over penalty system Ben Sulayem and FIA'

Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the FIA seem to have once again drawn the ire of Formula 1's 20 drivers. They are reportedly extremely outraged by the motorsport federation's newly announced penalty system, which promises heavy penalties for verbal 'misconduct'.

According to De Telegraaf, the FIA's sanctions list was the topic of conversation in the group app of the 20 Formula 1 drivers on Thursday morning. The newspaper says it relies on several sources, who would indicate that the decision by the FIA and its president Ben Sulayem has caused great outrage. It is unknown whether the drivers will come out with a joint statement.

Incidentally, the Dutch newspaper hints at an earlier departure of Max Verstappen from Formula 1, out of dissatisfaction with the FIA's tightened policy. The question is whether this does justice to the situation. Verstappen has never made a secret of his desire to compete in other racing classes as well, mentioning the World Endurance Championship by name.

The WEC is also under the auspices of the FIA, so the rules on verbal misconduct also apply to that class. However, the penalty amounts in WEC are lower than in Formula 1.