Aston Martin Fined After Alonso and Stroll Miss Mandatory Fan Event at Abu Dhabi GP
Aston Martin has been hit with a sizeable financial penalty after their two drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, failed to attend a required fan-engagement event at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The incident drew the attention of FIA race stewards, who summoned the team on Saturday before the start of FP3 to explain why both senior drivers were absent from an appearance that is mandated in the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations.
The breach relates specifically to Article 19.2(c) of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, which outlines obligations for driver availability during grand prix weekends. According to the rule, within a designated one-hour window that ends no later than 90 minutes before FP1, ten drivers must make themselves available for fan-engagement duties. These sessions can last up to 30 minutes and include the time required for transportation to and from the activity zone. This regulation exists to ensure consistent interactions between drivers and fans—an increasingly important element of the modern F1 landscape.
After reviewing the situation, the FIA announced that Aston Martin would face a €50,000 fine, with €35,000 suspended for 12 months, pending the team’s compliance with certain corrective actions. While both drivers were involved in the breach, the responsibility was placed squarely on the team rather than on Alonso or Stroll personally.
Why Alonso and Stroll Were Absent
According to Aston Martin, the confusion came from internal miscommunication. The team had informed both Alonso and Stroll that they were not needed for FP1, as the session would be used to run their rookie drivers Jak Crawford and Cian Shields, fulfilling the requirement for young-driver outings. Aston Martin also allegedly told Alonso and Stroll that they were not required for the fan-engagement activity, claiming that the session would be covered by a reserve or alternative team representative.
However, the regulations are clear—teams must provide a certain number of race drivers, not junior or reserve drivers, for these engagements. The stewards concluded that the team failed to meet this requirement, resulting in the penalty.
Why the Fine Was So Large
Many fans and even some commentators were surprised at the severity of the fine, especially compared to some safety-related violations. Sky Sports commentator David Croft, speaking during FP3, noted his confusion that Aston Martin’s fine exceeded the penalty Mercedes received for an unsafe release earlier in the session involving Kimi Antonelli and Yuki Tsunoda, which led to a minor collision.
The stewards, however, were firm in their reasoning. They emphasized that while fan engagements can sometimes be inconvenient for drivers juggling intense weekend schedules, Formula 1 places enormous value on its global fanbase. The Abu Dhabi event in particular saw large numbers of dedicated supporters waiting for hours in significant heat, expecting to meet or hear from their favourite racers. Failing to honour these appearances risks undermining the fan experience—something F1 has invested heavily in improving.
Because of this, the stewards deemed a heavy fine appropriate, describing fans as “the core of F1.” They also stated that the fine’s proceeds should be used in ways that strengthen motorsport involvement in the region, whether through grassroots racing programmes or initiatives encouraging new officials to join the sport.
Aston Martin’s Response and Corrective Actions
Upon being informed of the penalty, Aston Martin responded cooperatively and proposed a meaningful way to make amends. The team offered to set up additional activities in the fan zone throughout the Abu Dhabi weekend. Their plan included distributing signed team caps to all supporters wearing Aston Martin merchandise and selecting two lucky fans for an exclusive garage tour, where they would be able to watch a session from within the garage and meet both Alonso and Stroll for photos.
The FIA accepted this proposal but insisted that Aston Martin must submit a detailed report proving the actions were completed. Only then will the suspended portion of the fine remain waived. If the team fails to deliver on the commitments, the remaining €35,000 will be enforced.
Broader Reactions
The incident has fueled debate about penalty consistency across Formula 1. While some argue that safety-related infractions should always carry the heaviest penalties, others believe that fan engagement—now a multi-million-euro pillar of F1’s brand strategy—is just as critical to the sport’s global success.
For Aston Martin, the episode serves as a reminder of the growing expectations placed on teams not only on track, but also off it. With fan involvement becoming more central than ever, administrative missteps can now have serious consequences.
