Formula 1’s podium finishers at the Austrian Grand Prix have been handed suspended fines for breaching parc ferme regulations.
Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were all issued suspended €10,000 fines after their physios, or driver assistants, entered parc ferme without permission.
It was outlined in the post-race notes document, issued on Sunday morning, that ‘driver physios must wait outside the cool down room behind the podium until the podium ceremony has concluded.’
A report was handed to the stewards that outlined that all three were in breach of this.
The stewards outlined that the rule is in place ‘in part to prevent handing over of items to the drivers prior to them being weighed’.
In conjunction with the suspended fine it was outlined that ‘the passes of the individuals concerned may be revoked in case of systemic violation’.
Draconian cracking of the whip by FIAs money making branch, and their Head Bishops of FIA Coffers.
“Let the Cash Registers Open & the financial penance be served…we take any kind of currency and yes ….we accept livestock…especially Camels !” Announced “Le Grand Austrian FIA Head Wizard of the Flappy Paddle & Winged Bull Robe”.
I hate racing interrupted by no help rules, what did Russell do that needed penalty? He RACEd stop it this is car racing stuff happens every time two cars go around corners somebody gets a fine?
Can’t disrespect the maFIA’s authoritah!! The fact they suspended the fines lets the drivers know, in no uncertain terms, that the maFIA can punish them at a moment notice and that they’re in charge. They (maFIA) know the fines are petty, for the rule(s) that they ‘broke’, so they suspend them. Gives me some “Just so you know, I have a whole bag of ‘Shhh!’ with your name on it.” vibes lol.
The FIA announced unashamedly that it’s in it for the money, as per Miami and Las Vegas, so Bullit is right. This sort of thing, fines and penalties for minor blips, will likely increase. So will driver penalties while racing–the bumps and grinds spoil the seamlessness of the FIA’s show. There will come a time, probably soon, when passing will be allowed only at specific parts of the circuits, the part where there are grandstands, I suppose.
IndyCar is a much better show. That’s dangerous for IndyCar. The last time it became the better racing program, when it was Champ Car, its success was sabotaged by the owner of the Indianapolis racetrack. We’ll see if that happens again, but don’t hold your breath. The track has a different owner, Roger Penske, who was the first team owner to bolt from Champ Car to the Indianapolis program.