Alex Wurz, the chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), has confirmed there was “no consultation” from the FIA over its strict new stewards’ penalty guidelines.

The former F1 driver, who competed in 69 grand prix between 1997 and 2007, also revealed he learned of the changes “through the media”.

The new punishments, laid out in Appendix B of the FIA International Sporting Code, include significant fines – and even suspensions and points deductions – for offences such as drivers speaking out against the governing body and using foul language.

The latter aspect has been widely discussed in the wake of the furore over swearing that engulfed F1 towards the end of last season.

Ultimately, Wurz believes there is “room for improvement” with how decisions on such matters are made, arguing that greater involvement from a drivers’ union could be a viable way forward.

“No, there was no consultation,” the Austrian told select media including RacingNews365. “We have read that through the media.

“Could be room for improvement that we [the FIA and the GPDA] are working out [these things] together.

“If there’s a comparison with, for example, the NFL in America, they do have unionisation of NFL players, and they are involved in the process.

“In this case, we are not involved. I’m not sure if the FIA has involved their own FIA drivers’ commission. That’s something I don’t know about.

“Let’s hope that we don’t have many fines being collected.”

RacingNews365 has approached the FIA for confirmation on whether the FIA drivers’ commission was involved in the process.

GPDA will meet over controversial new FIA guidelines

When asked by RacingNews365 whether he had been in contact with any of the drivers over the new guidelines, Wurz confirmed he had not.

However, the three-time podium sitter did say they would “get together” to decide their next steps before outlining the best initial way for drivers to adapt.

“We have not managed to get together,” he said. “Drivers are in a very busy period, I don’t want to stress them.

“It’s in the rules. It’s not something we can change on an ad hoc basis.

“Of course, we’re going to get together. We’ll then convene and discuss what we are doing and what our course of action is.

“The best action is not to swear. Quite simple.”