Top Formula 1 drivers have voiced their surprise at the decision to boost the potential fine for competitors to 1m euros (£871,000).
On Thursday, the FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, announced its decision to quadruple the top fine that stewards can levy from 250,000 euros to 1m euros.
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“What could possibly warrant a 1m euros fine?” questioned Ferrari‘s Charles Leclerc.
He mentioned that this was an “enormous sum” and remarked: “There are drivers earning less than this amount.”
Haas racer Kevin Magnussen called the sum “absurd,” and Alpha Tauri’s Daniel Ricciardo described it as “intimidating.”
The intent behind this figure is to act as a preventive measure, discouraging teams and drivers from committing severe or dangerous infractions of the rules. The FIA highlighted that any collected fines would be channelled into motorsport development initiatives.
The specifics regarding what violations could lead to such a hefty penalty remained undefined.
“We must consider the perception this creates among viewers,” noted seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. He further stated, “If they’re going to impose a million in fines, ensure it entirely benefits a noble cause.”
“There’s significant wealth in this sector, but there’s much more we can do to promote inclusivity and broader access. That’s the sole way they’ll extract that million from my pocket.”
Hamilton was penalised at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix for 50,000 euros, with half being conditional, for an on-track infringement.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen alluded to the penalty he received for a minor contact with the back of Hamilton’s vehicle at the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix. Verstappen mused, “If a minor touch on a rear wing costs $50k, I’m curious about the actions worth a million.”
Aston Martin’s racer, Fernando Alonso, weighed in, “This doesn’t seem fitting. I’m hearing this from you first; I need more details. Our sport is perceived as exclusive and niche. We’ve been discussing sustainability, the environment, and our collective effort to make the sport more inclusive. Announcing such high fines seems counterintuitive.”
The FIA reached the decision during Thursday’s World Motorsport Council’s legislative body session. The official announcement read:
The current amount hasn’t been reevaluated or altered in at least a dozen years, and it doesn’t align with the contemporary demands of motorsport.
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