Leading Formula 1 drivers expressed shock at a decision to raise the possible fine that can be imposed on competitors to 1m euros (£871,000).
Governing body the FIA said on Thursday it was quadrupling the maximum fine stewards can impose from 250,000 euros. “I have no idea what deserves a 1m euros penalty,” said Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
He said the rise was a “huge amount of money” and commented: “Some drivers are making less than that.”
Haas driver Kevin Magnussen said the figure “sounds ridiculous”, while Alpha Tauri’s Daniel Ricciardo said it was “scary”. The figure is intended as a deterrent to dissuade teams and drivers from the most egregious or dangerous breaches of the regulations and the FIA pointed out that any fines already go towards funding motorsport development programmes
There was no clarity on the sort of offence that a driver or team could commit to be hit with such a fine.
(BBC sport)
