Formula 1 drivers were shocked to hear news that the FIA has quadrupled the maximum fine that can be imposed by event stewards.
In an announcement made on Thursday, the sport’s governing body revealed changes to the International Sporting Code approved at the World Motorsport Council in Geneva.
Fines in the series had previously been capped at €250,000. However, according to the FIA, this figure had not been reviewed or amended in at least 12 years “and does not reflect the current needs of motorsport.”
In the drivers’ press conference on Thursday, Lewis Hamilton weighed in on the discussion, also calling for transparency with where the proceeds from the fines go.
“I really do think we need to be thinking about the message that this sends out to those that are watching,” the seven-time champion began.
“If they are going to fining people a million, let’s make sure one hundred per cent of that goes to a cause.
“There’s a lot of money in this whole industry and a lot more that we need to do in terms of creating better accessibility, better diversity, more opportunities for people who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to get into a sport like this.
“So many causes around the world. That’s the only way they’ll get that million from me.”
The FIA has since clarified that as it is a not-for-profit organisation, all income exceeding operating costs is reinvested in motorsports, primarily at grassroots and national levels as well as educating and developing race officials worldwide.
Hamilton was previously fined €50,000 for missing the 2021 FIA end-of-season gala after striking a deal with Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the wake of the controversial Abu Dhabi finale that season. This fine was donated to help support a student from a disadvantaged background to achieve an ‘educational qualification in motorsport’.
Reigning champion Max Verstappen was also stunned by the FIA’s decision saying: ” I would like to know what that offence can be! One mil! If touching a rear wing is €50k [referencing Brazil 2021], then I would like to know what one million is. Then maybe we can also sponsor the bottles of wine. I’ll get ready.”
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso agreed that the figure didn’t appear appropriate adding: “We are in a sport that is already considered very elite, very close.
“We are raising some topics about sustainability, environment. We are trying to do all our part on becoming more accessible. This is a sport for everyone and things like that. So when you put this big numbers or something like that, it seems not right.”
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc sided with Verstappen, adding: “It is a huge amount of money, so again, I have no idea about what deserves a €1 million penalty – but it’s more than that…
“I mean, some drivers are making less than that, so it’s a lot of money and… yeah… I don’t know.”
Kevin Magnussen described the prospect of a €1 million fine as “ridiculous” before joking: “Charles can give his watch – but I would disappear, never to be found again.”
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