Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, announced Thursday that it will increase the maximum possible fine stewards are allowed to impose to a staggering €1 million.
The decision from the FIA quadruples the current maximum allowable fine, which is capped at €250,000. That figure had not been amended in more than a decade, prompting the governing body to make a change.
F1 drivers aren’t happy with the significant adjustment to the rule, and many of the sport’s star drivers weighed in on the looming changes.
“I have no idea what deserves a €1 million penalty,” said Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, via BBC Sport. “Some drivers are making less than that."
The FIA has announced that it is 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 the maximum fine stewards can impose on competitors to €1m 🤯
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 19, 2023
Leading drivers have had their say, and they are not happy! 😤#BBCF1 #FIA pic.twitter.com/O1H3gLUxpY
“We do need to be thinking about the message that sends out to those watching,” said Mercedes' Louis Hamilton. “If they are going be fining a million, let's make sure 100% goes to a good cause.
“There is a lot of money in this industry and there is a lot more we need to do in terms of creating better accessibility and diversity. That's the only way they'll get that million from me.”
Current world champion, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, also voiced his displeasure for the changes, referencing a €50,000 fine he received in 2021 for a violation involving Hamilton at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
“If touching a rear wing is $50k, I would like to know what a million is,” he said.
Other drivers to chime in on the change included Alpha Tauri’s Daniel Ricciardo, Haas’ Kevin Magnussen, and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.
