FIA fines of one million euros
The FIA has decided to review the ceiling of its maximum fines. Now the commissioners are free to go up to one million euros! Enough to make the main parties concerned react.
It was in the middle of the traditional Thursday afternoon press conference in Austin’s paddock. Questions and answers were flowing smoothly. Until the moment when our colleague from The Times’ question heatedly stirred the drivers: « The FIA announced today that the penalties that drivers may receive will increase from 250,000 to one million euros. I suppose some of you were not aware: could this amount make you think twice before committing a foul? »
The six drivers gathered at that time were puzzled since they discovered the question at the same time. It must be said that the measure is written at the very bottom of the minutes of the meeting of the FIA World Council, which was held in Geneva on the same day. It is therefore unlikely that this is the kind of literature that the drivers throw themselves into in preparation for the weekend.
Max Verstappen was the first to react: « I would really like to know what this offense could be! A million! If touching the rear wing is 50,000 euros, I would like to know what could cost a million. » He was referring to the fine he had received for touching the rear wing of Lewis Hamilton under Parc Fermé regulations at the end of the qualifying sessions of the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Charles Leclerc was on his part surprised by such an amount and put it into perspective: « It’s a huge sum. I have no idea what can warrant a fine of a million euros. Some drivers earn less than that! » Kevin Magnussen continued on a joking tone: « I don’t know what this million offense could be but it sounds ridiculous. Charles can always give his watch while I, I would disappear and would never be found! »
As for Lewis Hamilton, he took a step back and wondered what such a sum could be used for: « This is the first time I’ve heard of it. I’m not sure I understand what it’s referring to exactly. For these kinds of things, we need to seriously think about the message we’re sending. If they want to fine one million, you need to ensure that 100% of this money is allocated to a specific cause. There’s a lot of money in this industry. We need to do a lot more in terms of accessibility, diversity, opportunities. There’s so many causes in the world. This is the only way they’ll get a million from me. »
The team directors interviewed were in agreement. Mike Krach, the director of Aston Martin, thus declared: « I think we need to keep our feet on the ground and get back to reality. The people who come to see us already pay dearly for their tickets and I don’t think waving these figures does any good. »
It should therefore be recalled that the seven-time world champion has just received a fine of 25,000 euros at the Qatar Grand Prix for crossing the track after his accident at the first corner. We are talking about a direct element of the drivers’ safety and therefore it had only reached 10% of the previous maximum allowed. It is therefore highly unlikely that we will hear about such a fine in the future.
From our special correspondent in Austin
