Mystery solved: here's how FIA spends fines collected from F1 drivers
Today at 07:11 AM
Nikolas Tombazis has stepped in to explain, bringing clarity to an issue that has sparked heated debates, especially regarding penalties for foul language. Following a tense standoff between FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the GPDA, the Federation is now emphasizing transparency.
The term “transparency” has frequently appeared in discussions between drivers and the FIA in recent weeks. The drivers' request has been clear: fines are acceptable, but the destination of the collected funds must be disclosed. Mohammed Ben Sulayem‘s previous responses to such demands often bordered on defiance, intensifying the controversy.
Now, tensions appear to have eased. Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s head of single-seaters, has clarified how the approximately €270,000 in fines collected during 2024 has been or will be used. Contrary to speculation, the money is not spent on “Christmas parties” but is reinvested in initiatives where the Federation can foster the growth of motorsport.
Nikolas Tombazis: “Here’s Where F1 Fine Money Goes”
In an interview with motorsport.com, Nikolas Tombazis explained: "The FIA is not a profit-driven organization. We don't have shareholders eyeing stock prices or hoping for market gains. Every euro is spent on what is deemed beneficial, whether it's safety, grassroots motorsport funding, or other road safety projects."
Nikolas Tombazis acknowledged the emotional aspect of the issue: "I believe this question is sometimes driven by the emotions of the moment. I understand that anyone who pays a fine may feel annoyed or even offended. However, there are so many layers of projects where this money is used that it's clear it's not being spent on Christmas parties."
He added, "The amount of money spent on growth initiatives far exceeds the fines collected, which I think demonstrates that everything spent delivers a positive impact. It's hard to find FIA projects that don't have a social or motorsport-related benefit."
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