FIA Issues Disciplinary Verdicts for Two F1 Stars After…..read more
The 2025 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be one of the most financially penalizing in the sport’s history, with the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) taking a tougher stance on driver and team conduct. A renewed focus on discipline both on and off the track has resulted in a crackdown that’s already generating significant fines. While the pre-season conversation centered around the newly reinforced ban on swearing — aimed at maintaining a more professional image — this is only one part of the broader push by the FIA to curb unsportsmanlike or unsafe behaviour. The governing body has made it clear that a variety of infractions, ranging from technical non-compliance to unsafe driving or operational missteps, could now incur substantial financial penalties. The maximum fine that can be levied has now reached a staggering €1 million, signaling the FIA’s intention to enforce discipline more strictly than ever.
As of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the FIA had already issued six fines, targeting teams for various infractions early in the season. Among those fined is Haas, which was penalized €7,500 during the Miami Grand Prix weekend. The penalty was issued because the team failed to notify Esteban Ocon that Lando Norris was closing in on him during Free Practice 1. This kind of oversight can pose safety risks and interfere with fair competition, prompting the fine.
Alpine also found itself on the receiving end of FIA disciplinary action. The team received a €1,000 fine after their reserve driver, Jack Doohan, exceeded the pit lane speed limit by 17.5 kph during a practice session at the Miami Grand Prix. The speed limit in the pit lane is strictly enforced for safety reasons, and any breach, even in practice, is taken seriously by the FIA.
Williams, on the other hand, was fined a total of €10,000, with an additional €40,000 suspended. This fine stemmed from the Chinese Grand Prix, where the team failed to provide required video data from their onboard cameras. The FIA was in the process of examining the legality of flexi wings, and the absence of crucial footage raised concerns about transparency and compliance.
Finally, Racing Bulls were fined €5,000 after a dangerous incident during qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix. Their driver, Isack Hadjar, was unsafely released from the pit lane into the path of Max Verstappen, an act considered highly irresponsible given the potential for a collision.
These fines illustrate how the FIA is cracking down on all types of infractions, not just dramatic incidents. With harsher penalties and increased scrutiny, teams and drivers must be more vigilant than ever.
