The FIA have fined the Ferrari team $100,000 (£65,000) for using team orders during the German GP.
The matter will also be referred to the World Motor Sport Council for review at a later date for bringing the sport into disrepute.
On lap 48, Felipe Massa was told by his race engineer that he was slower than Fernando Alonso in second which led to the two making a switch at the hairpin on lap 49.
“Alonso is faster than you, can you confirm you understood that message?” Rob Smedley said over the radio in an almost forced tone.
He then apologised to his driver after the switch had taken place, saying: “OK mate, good lad. Stay with him now. Sorry.”
After the race, the FIA summoned the bosses at Ferrari as well as Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa and Rob Smedley to the stewards office.
The resultant penalty found Ferrari to have contravened regulation 39.1 which states: ‘Team orders which interfere with a race result are prohibited,’ and article 151c of the sporting regulations, against bringing the sport into disrepute.
— Editor’s note —
What’s odd is that the FIA have found the team guilty of breaking the regulation against using team orders, which should warrant a much harsher fine.
Therefore by handing out such a paltry penalty, that suggests teams can, in the future, order team-mates to switch places at the cost of £65,000.
This could set a dangerous precedent if the FIA wants to remain consistent with its penalties.
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