The recent announcement by motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, regarding the quadrupling of the maximum fine that can be imposed on Formula 1 drivers, from €250,000 to €1 million, has triggered a strong reaction from the racing community.
In justifying their decision, the FIA stated that this fine amount had remained unchanged for at least the last 12 years and no longer met the current needs of motorsport.
However, this increase hasn’t been well-received, with several drivers expressing their concerns. Daniel Ricciardo described it as “scary,” and George Russell found it “obscene” and “pretty ridiculous.” Even team bosses were unimpressed by the decision.
One of the team principals, Guenther Steiner, who has had his own history with the stewards, expressed his apprehension during a press conference. He humorously remarked, “I’m worried because I don’t want to be the first one to get into that area.”
On a more serious note, Steiner was surprised by the FIA’s decision, stating, “Is it needed? I mean, 250,000, I think it’s Euros, it’s quite a lot of money in my world, you know. There are people, drivers, who make a lot of money out there, and all that. But obviously, it’s earned, it’s not given for free.”
He also suggested that there should be transparency about where the fined money goes and that drivers should have a say in it, possibly directing it to a charity they support.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the need for deterrents for serious regulation infringements but questioned the realism of a one million Euro fine, considering most fans would find it “surreal.” He emphasized the importance of not portraying Formula 1 as a sport that imposes fines that drivers cannot afford to pay.
This decision by the FIA has undeniably stirred a debate within the Formula 1 community about the appropriateness and implications of such high fine amounts.
