When violating F1 starting procedure is less serious (and costs less) than a swear word
Yesterday at 09:52 AM
Apparently, for the FIA, uttering a swear word in a press conference is more serious (and incurs a higher penalty) than restarting after an aborted start or changing tire pressure before the race.
Beyond Max Verstappen’s stellar triumph at the Brazilian Grand Prix, returning to victory after a ten-race drought, what transpired hours after the end of the Interlagos race is something inexplicable and, in some ways, unacceptable.
It must be noted that McLaren driver Lando Norris should have been penalized even before the actual start of the Grand Prix due to the blatant infraction he committed (restarting after the aborted start), yet the “punishment” designated by the stewards is quite illogical, especially considering what happened just days earlier with Charles Leclerc.
The Monegasque driver was indeed investigated for having exclaimed the F-word in the post-race press conference after the Mexican GP, but the FIA, unlike the heavy-handed approach taken with Max Verstappen a week earlier, opted for a fine of 10,000 euros.
The FIA’s illogicality in Brazil
And what about Lando Norris? While the entire paddock awaited a more or less severe sanction, which would likely have changed the final race results (and the drivers’ and constructors’ standings), the federation let the Brit off with a fine of “only” 5,000 euros and a reprimand.
Thus, it seems that in Formula 1, swearing in a press conference is more serious than restarting after an aborted start (despite the clearly displayed sign), violating the sporting regulations, and with all the safety risks that could have arisen from it.
The sanction imposed on Mercedes is equally inexplicable, as George Russell and Lewis Hamilton managed to avoid disqualification despite the Silver Arrows’ mechanics having modified the tire pressure before the start, which is obviously not permitted by the regulations.
According to the justification provided by the stewards, the “FIA admitted that, given the short notice, it was extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the teams to follow the procedure prescribed by the technical directive.”
Another explanation that has significant flaws and fails to do justice to a track spectacle that has finally been restored and to a Formula 1 that deserves a governing body of the same caliber.
Source: f1ingenerale
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