FIA Punishes F2 Team for Unusual Trouser-Related Violation at S…read more
In one of the more bizarre infractions seen in motorsport, the FIA has issued a penalty to Formula 2 team Prema Racing after a member of their staff was caught violating the dress code in the pit lane. The violation? Sebastian Montoya’s physio was seen wearing shorts instead of the required long trousers during a practice session at the Spanish Grand Prix.
While the situation may seem trivial, the FIA has made it clear that it takes pit lane safety and regulations very seriously. The governing body fined Prema €500 for the infraction, citing a breach of Article 22.15 of the FIA Sporting Regulations. According to this rule, all team and technical personnel must wear long trousers in the pit lane during all practice sessions and races.
The incident came to light after race stewards examined photographic and video evidence of the pit lane area. The footage showed Montoya’s physio dressed in shorts—a clear violation of the regulations. The stewards then summoned a representative from the Prema team to clarify the situation. During the hearing, the team explained that the individual in question was indeed the physio of Car 9 (Montoya), and not a core operational member of the team, such as a mechanic or engineer. However, the clarification did not exempt them from the rule.
The stewards’ decision noted that teams had already been reminded of this dress code earlier in the season. Specifically, the Race Director had reiterated the rule in the Event Notes during the Jeddah round, and it was also highlighted in both the Drivers’ and Team Managers’ meetings. These reminders stressed that the long trousers requirement applies to all personnel working near the car, regardless of their specific role—this includes physios, engineers, mechanics, and other technical staff.
The FIA’s emphasis on this regulation stems from a broader commitment to maintaining safety standards in the pit lane. Despite the humorous undertone of the situation, the pit lane is an area of high activity and potential hazards, and ensuring that personnel wear appropriate clothing is part of the effort to minimize risks. Long trousers can help protect against burns, abrasions, and other injuries in the event of an accident or incident involving hot components or sharp surfaces.
Nevertheless, the fine has sparked some amusement and surprise among fans and observers, especially considering the high temperatures that often accompany Grand Prix weekends. The sight of someone being fined for simply wearing shorts on a hot day feels oddly out of place in the otherwise high-octane world of motorsport. Still, rules are rules, and the FIA has shown that it intends to enforce them consistently, no matter how minor the infringement may seem.
Prema Racing now has 48 hours to pay the fine or risk facing further consequences. While €500 is a relatively small amount in the context of motorsport budgets, the incident serves as a peculiar reminder of the many detailed regulations teams must follow during a race weekend. From tire pressures and fuel loads to, apparently, the length of one’s trousers, the FIA leaves no stone unturned when it comes to compliance.
In summary, what may appear to be an amusing or petty rule violation underscores the rigorous and detail-oriented nature of motorsport governance. While fans may chuckle at the idea of a shorts-clad physio triggering a penalty, the FIA’s decision reaffirms its stance on uniformity and safety in the high-stakes environment of racing.
