Rally Driver Disqualified After Inappropriate Conduct Towards…. read more 👇 details in the comments section
Slovak rally driver has been thrown out of the Royal Rally of Scandinavia after making offensive remarks and gestures toward a female race official during the European Rally Championship event. The incident occurred on Saturday during a routine safety inspection and was later reviewed by FIA stewards, who decided to disqualify the 37-year-old competitor from the rally.
According to the official report released by the stewards, the controversy happened after Stage 6 during a standard equipment inspection. Officials stated that Kolcak, who was driving Car No. 18 for Chooligan Racing, directed an inappropriate question toward a female scrutineer while she was carrying out her duties. He reportedly asked the official whether she wanted to see his genitals before making a gesture by grabbing his genital area in front of her and another female scrutineer present at the scene.
The incident immediately triggered an investigation, with the matter referred to the race stewards for further examination. After reviewing statements and hearing testimony from those involved, the officials concluded that Kolcak had violated multiple sections of the FIA International Sporting Code relating to misconduct and inappropriate behaviour.
During the hearing, both scrutineers confirmed the details contained in the report. Kolcak also appeared before the stewards alongside his team manager, , and co-driver . The hearing took place on May 23, 2026, at 8:38 p.m.
Kolcak admitted that he made the comments and gestures but attempted to explain his behaviour by saying he was still affected by the adrenaline and emotions following the rally stage. He also claimed he did not realize the woman was an official working for the event and suggested that his reaction was linked to the manner in which the safety inspection was being conducted on his racing gear.
Despite his explanation, the stewards rejected any suggestion that the behaviour could be excused. In their ruling, they stressed that all officials working at motorsport events deserve to operate in a professional and respectful environment without being subjected to harassment, intimidation, or degrading treatment.
The official statement described the comments as “explicitly offensive” and emphasized that the gesture made afterward only increased the seriousness of the situation. Stewards noted that emotions or adrenaline from competition could not be accepted as a mitigating factor for conduct of that nature.
As a result, Kolcak was formally disqualified from the Royal Rally of Scandinavia, ending his participation in the event immediately. The ruling serves as another example of motorsport authorities taking a firm stance against inappropriate conduct and reinforcing standards of professionalism within international racing competitions.
The Royal Rally of Scandinavia is one of the key rounds on the European Rally Championship calendar and attracts drivers and teams from across Europe. While intense emotions are common in motorsport, officials made clear through this decision that disrespectful or abusive behaviour toward event staff will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The FIA has increasingly emphasized respect, safety, and professionalism across all levels of motorsport in recent years. This latest incident is likely to spark further discussion around driver conduct and accountability, particularly regarding how competitors interact with officials and volunteers who help run major racing events.
Kolcak and his team have not publicly announced whether they plan to appeal the disqualification ruling.