AUSTIN — Lewis Hamilton and his fellow Formula One drivers could be fined up to €1 million (RM5.05 million) following a dramatic change to the sport’s rulebook, reported PA Media/dpa.
Ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, F1’s governing body announced it has increased the maximum sanction that stewards can impose on a driver from €250,000 to €871,500.
The ruling body FIA said the amount had been static for the last 12 years and “does not reflect the current needs of motorsports.”
But the decision was met with surprise by the grid’s drivers. Daniel Ricciardo, back in action after missing five races with a broken hand, called it “scary,” and Haas’ Kevin Magnussen branded the move “ridiculous.”
Hamilton, who in the next season will start a new £100-million (RM577.87 million) two-year deal with Mercedes, said, “If they are going to fine us one million euros, let’s make sure that 100% of that goes to a cause.
“There is a lot of money in this industry and there is a lot more that we need to do to increase diversity, improve access, and create more opportunities for people who don’t have an opportunity to get into a sport like this.
“That is the only way they will get that money from me.”
Hamilton also accused the FIA of “poor communication” following the governing body questioning his status as “a role model” after he walked across the track at the previous round in Qatar.
Hamilton, 38, was fined £43,350 — half of which is suspended for the remainder of the season — in the hours after the race on October 8 in which he crossed the circuit following a first-corner crash with Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
But seven days after the incident in Lusail, and in a largely unprecedented move, the FIA said Hamilton’s actions are under review.
“In view of Lewis Hamilton’s role model status, the FIA is concerned about the impression his actions may have created on younger drivers,” said a spokesperson for the governing body.
It is understood that the FIA is planning to meet with the seven-time world champion here in Austin, Texas.
It is unlikely Hamilton will face additional penalties — with the FIA opting against taking the case to the International Court of Appeal to increase his fine — but harsher punishments could be handed out in the future for a similar infringement.
“I don’t think I was singled out,” added Hamilton.
“Ultimately, it was just poor communication. I don’t think what they said is what they meant.
“They are looking into how they can tackle these things going forward to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
“There was a karting incident where a kid was hit when he walked onto the track so we need to make sure we focus on safety and that was the root of it. But they need to speak to their PR agent to do a better job.
“Their actual point is important. When I sat in the stewards’ office I put my hands up and acknowledged that in the heat of the moment, it was the wrong decision. I apologised at the time.” — October 20, 2023