The series was greeting widespread criticism from paddock figures and commentators almost immediately after announcing the addition of Rule 9.3.8 to its regulations.

In full, the new rule states that:

Competitors must be respectful, professional, fair and courteous to others. At all times, Competitors must not, attempt to, or engage in conduct or statements that in the judgment of INDYCAR:

a) Threatens or denigrates any Official, fellow Competitor or the INDYCAR brand;
b) Calls into question the integrity or legitimacy of the Rules or their application, construction or interpretation;
c) Denigrates the IndyCar Series racing schedule or Event(s);
d) Threatens or denigrates any INDYCAR business relationship, including those with sponsors or broadcasters;
e) Otherwise threatens the integrity, reputation or public confidence of the sport, INDYCAR, or IndyCar Series.

The open-ended wording of the rule, along with the lack of clarity about the types of sanctions that might be imposed if IndyCar determines that there has been a breach, opened the door to criticism that drivers will no longer be allowed to speak their minds.

The rule’s introduction follows a recent warning from series boss Mark Miles that the series would no longer tolerate the type of criticism that it received in the immediate aftermath of the controversial Fontana race, and there were fears that the relatively benign pitlane spat between Ed Carpenter and Sage Karam at Iowa last weekend would also fall within the scope of the new rule.

But just hours after the new rule was announced, Miles issued a follow-up statement insisting that the rule will be applied sparingly.

“This rule is not a gag order,” he said.

“We recognise that controversy, tension and drama all have a place in motorsport today.

“Our drivers are competitors and we have no interest in eliminating the emotion and passion that is an integral part of our sport – or limit the content for media covering IndyCar.

“As an example, some have speculated that the exchange between Ed Carpenter and Sage Karam last Saturday at Iowa Speedway would result in penalty under this new rule – that is not the case.

“We feel exchanges of that manner do not cross the line and instead highlight the intensity of IndyCar Series competition.

“We feel it’s our responsibility to distinguish between irresponsible statements that damage the sport or its competitors and the intense competitive nature of the series.

“This rule is to ensure we have authority to act when we feel it is required.”