For the first time in over a decade, the FIA has increased the maximum fine that a Formula 1 competitor can receive after deeming that previous regulations did not “reflect the current needs of motorsport”.
The International Sporting Code previously imposed a cap of €250,000 on any fine issued by event stewards at FIA meetings.
Following the FIA’s latest meeting of the World Motorsport Council in Geneva, maximum fine limits were quadrupled as the €250,000 had not been “reviewed nor amended for at least the last twelve years and does not reflect the current needs of motor sport.”
As such, the maximum fine that F1 competitors may face now stands at €1 million. Maximum fines for other FIA world championships rise to €750,000 while all other FIA championships, cups, challenges, trophies and series are capped at €500,000.
The FIA can hit any competitor, driver or team, with a fine. In some circumstances, the FIA could even fine an event.
Following an internal review, the World Motorsport Council has also concluded that “the unauthorised use of all pyrotechnical devices at races can pose significant public health and safety risks and, as such, should be prevented and countered.”
As a result, the council has approved “new provision and definition” in the ISC to tighten restrictions on the “unauthorised use of all pyrotechnic devices,” such as flares.
It is expected that this adjustment is not solely focused on F1, but will extend to all FIA events including rally.
In further changes to the Sporting Regulations, Pirelli will be afforded 40 days of tyre testing next season – an increase on 35 days currently.
It is also stated that provisions to add a maximum of four car days of testing, organised by the FIA in consultation with competitors, have been approved for the “express purpose to facilitate the research into spray reduction techniques in wet weather.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also acknowledged the progress of Andretti Global’s bid to join F1 “following a rigorous due diligence process”.
F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali added: “2023 so far has been another fantastic year for our sport and we thank everyone involved across the FIA, F1, teams, promoters and partners.
“We and the FIA continue to work closely to ensure we stay focussed on the important issues for the sport and build on the momentum we have.
“We note the points made regarding the FIA’s new team entry process and as we have said before, we will now make our own assessment of the merits of remaining application.
“We look forward to the remaining races of the season and to the 2024 season.”
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