Formula One Drivers Furious Over Quadrupled Maximum Fine
Formula One drivers are up in arms after the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) quadrupled the maximum fines for breaking the sport's rules. This ruling, which took effect after a World Motorsport Council meeting led by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has left drivers fuming.
Lewis Hamilton's Stance on Fines
Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion, has made it clear that he will refuse to pay any significant fine unless it goes towards a good cause. Hamilton believes that if drivers are going to be hit with fines as high as one million euros, the money should be used to improve accessibility and diversity in the sport.
Driver Reactions
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc expressed shock at the massive fine, stating that some drivers earn less than one million euros. Haas driver Kevin Magnussen called the new penalty "ridiculous," while AlphaTauri's Daniel Ricciardo labeled it "scary."
Drivers Caught Off Guard
George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, was taken aback by the news of the increased maximum penalty. The FIA did not consult the drivers before making this decision, leading to concerns that they will now face significant financial consequences for rule violations.
Transparency and Clarity
Drivers are calling for more transparency and understanding from the FIA regarding where the fines are going. They want to know which causes these fines will support and how the money will be reinvested into the sport. Lewis Hamilton believes that the current fines are already getting out of control and that there needs to be better communication between the FIA and the drivers.
Previous Limit and Hamilton's Situation
While the previous maximum fine was set at €250,000, no offense had ever warranted issuing the maximum penalty. Lewis Hamilton, who recently faced a jewelry ban by the FIA, insists that he is not being singled out by the penalty he received in Qatar. He believes there was poor communication from the FIA and that they need to improve their PR efforts.
Overall, Formula One drivers are demanding more clarity, transparency, and dialogue from the FIA regarding the increased fines. They want to ensure that any significant fines contribute to meaningful causes and improvements in the sport.
