WRC drivers inspired by GPDA: Demand clarity from the FIA
General
The World Rally Drivers Alliance has sent an urgent statement to the FIA following Adrien Fourmeaux's fine in Sweden earlier this month, calling for a review of the regulations surrounding inappropriate behaviour. Inspired by the earlier statement from Formula 1's Grand Prix Drivers Association, the rally drivers are also asking for clarification on the destination of the fine money.
WoRDA let it be known in an extensive public statement to the FIA that they are not happy with the path the FIA has taken with the new guidelines. The drivers and their co-drivers stress that they are not complaining about a penalty being handed out, but about the fact that they feel the penalties are disproportionate to the offence. According to them, the amount of the fines would also be disproportionate to the amount of their salaries.
"WoRDA has always recognised 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 the sanctions imposed for minor, isolated and unintentional language lapses. This has reached an unacceptable level," it reads.
Formula 1's Grand Prix Drivers Association published a similar statement back in November 2024, seeking clarification on the destination of the money the FIA receives from the fines. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem responded at the time by saying that the drivers should "mind their own business." The rally drivers have reiterated the request in their statement, in the hope that the FIA will finally shed some light on the destination of the money.
Adrien Fourmaux penalised in Sweden
Fourmaux took part in Rally Sweden earlier this month, after which he told RallyTV , somewhat frustrated, "We fuckeded up". Although the FIA was understanding, he still received a fine for €10,000 fine plus a €20,000 conditional fine. In addition, he now risks an even higher fine for any future offences, and possibly a race ban or even a points deduction in the championship standings.
The reaction from across the motorsport world was full of surprise. Formula 1 drivers hardly commented the incident during the press sessions surrounding F1 75 Live. Dan Ticktum used a rathe aggressive inappropriate language over the radio during the Jeddah E-Prix, but got off scot-free, as comments on the radio did not appear to be covered by the new regulations.
WoRDA's full statement to the FIA
"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 Referee’s 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 forests, 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 our 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 smartphones 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 recognised 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 the sanctions imposed for minor, isolated and unintentional language lapses. This has reached an unacceptable level.
"We strongly believe that:
- Common colloquialism cannot be considered and judged as equal to genuine insult or an 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.
- 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.
Sportingly, The Rally Drivers and Co-drivers members of WoRDA."
This article was written in collaboration with Kimberley Hoefnagel.
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