In a surprising development ahead of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the governing body of Formula 1, FIA, has called two of its drivers — Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll — to appear before the race stewards. This summons comes not because of anything that happened on the track, but rather for an unusual “off-track” issue relating to fan-engagement obligations.
What triggered the summons
According to the report from the Yas Marina Circuit, both Alonso and Stroll are suspected of failing to attend a scheduled fan-engagement session. These sessions take place in the Grand Prix’s designated fan zone, and are now mandatory under the sport’s evolving regulations. As part of the 2025 rules for F1 events, drivers are often expected to take part in organised media events, autograph sessions or fan-meetups — especially at high-profile venues like Abu Dhabi. The alleged absence of the two Aston Martin drivers from their assigned fan-zone slot is being treated as a breach of those obligations.
The specific regulation cited is Article 19.2(c) of the 2025 FIA Sporting Regulations — a clause covering attendance at fan-engagement and promotional activities. The FIA is reportedly taking these “non-sporting” obligations seriously.
The hearing and what’s at stake
Alonso, Stroll and a representative from their team Aston Martin F1 Team have been summoned to see the stewards at 13:15 local time — a short time before Free Practice 3 is due to begin. During this hearing, they will have to explain why they did not show up for the fan-engagement slot. The stewards will evaluate whether the absence was a deliberate choice, an oversight, or a consequence of other scheduling or logistical issues.
It’s worth noting that while the matter may seem trivial compared to track incidents like collisions or technical breaches, the regulations exist for a reason. Fan-engagement commitments play a growing role in Formula 1’s commercial model — race weekends are no longer just about on-track performance, but also entertainment, marketing, and fan experiences. Allowing some drivers or teams to skip these duties without consequence could undermine that system.
Still, this kind of breach tends to carry relatively minor consequences compared with on-track misconduct. If found guilty without mitigating circumstances, the typical outcome would likely be a fine or warning issued to the team, rather than hitting the drivers with grid penalties, licence points, or affecting their chances at the Grand Prix.
Why this matters — and why it’s unusual
There are a couple of reasons why this situation stands out. First, it highlights how F1 has evolved: what once might have been considered “extras” at a race — fan events, media obligations, public engagement — now form part of the official regulations. The drivers are no longer only responsible for laps, car-setup, and racecraft — they are also part of a broader spectacle, a global entertainment brand.
Second, it’s rare for two drivers from the same team to be summoned for the same non-sporting breach at the same time. That raises questions: was there a team-wide scheduling error? A miscommunication from management? Or did both simply choose to skip the engagement? The stewards’ hearing aims to get to the bottom of that.
Third, even if the consequences are mild, the timing is awkward — this happens just as the team and drivers gear up for a crucial weekend in Abu Dhabi. For a veteran like Alonso and a high-profile driver like Stroll, any disruption — even off-track — could create distractions or unwanted media attention. This is especially relevant in a high-stakes moment in the season when focus and discipline are vital.
What this reflects more broadly about modern Formula 1
This incident underscores how much the nature of F1 has changed. The sport is no longer just about racing fast on the track — it’s also about promoting the sport, engaging fans, satisfying sponsors, and building a global entertainment experience. As a result, regulations have expanded to cover aspects outside the cockpit: includes media appearances, fan interaction events, marketing obligations, etc. Teams and drivers are expected to view these duties as integral components of their role, not optional extras.
Moreover, the fact that missing a fan-zone appearance can trigger a summons shows how seriously the governing body now treats such “off-track” matters. In a way, it reflects the commercial pressures and commercial values that are a major part of modern F1 — fulfilling sponsor commitments, maintaining good public relations, and preserving the fan experience are all part of what defines a successful Grand Prix weekend.
Finally, the nature of the breach (fan-zone attendance) and the likely minor punishment demonstrates a shift in priorities: while on-track behaviour still carries the heaviest consequences, there’s growing recognition that what happens off-track matters too — not just for fans and sponsors, but for the integrity and branding of the sport as a whole.
Conclusion — What likely happens next
After the hearing, the stewards will decide whether Alonso and Stroll’s absence from the fan engagement activity constitutes an unjustified breach, or whether there were mitigating circumstances such as scheduling conflicts, team commitments, or miscommunication.
If found guilty, one would expect a team-level punishment — such as a fine or formal warning — rather than anything that affects their eligibility or performance on the track. Neither driver is likely to lose grid positions, licence points, or face sporting penalties, because the breach is unrelated to racing behaviour.
Still, the incident is a useful reminder: in modern F1, drivers’ responsibilities extend far beyond just driving fast. They serve as ambassadors of the sport, expected to engage with fans, promote the series, and uphold the global brand. Skipping those obligations — even once — can have real consequences, as this case with Alonso and Stroll illustrates.
