Aston Martin has faced a substantial penalty related to drivers missing a crucial fan event. The team received a double fine of €25,000 at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This was due to Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll not attending a mandatory fan engagement activity.
Details of the Incident
On Saturday morning, both drivers and a team representative appeared before the stewards. They were required to explain their absence from the event the previous day. Aston Martin’s defense included the claim that neither driver was expected to participate, as they hadn’t competed in the opening free practice session. Instead, the team had fielded their cars for rookie drivers Jak Crawford and Cian Shields.
Stewards’ Response
The stewards rejected Aston Martin’s explanation. They emphasized the importance of fan engagement in Formula 1. According to a statement from the FIA, fans waited several hours for the drivers. This led to the decision to impose a significant fine.
Details of the Fine
- Total fine: €25,000 for each driver.
- €15,000 of the fine is suspended, contingent on no repeat offenses within the next year.
The stewards took into account the competitors’ proposal. They agreed that this weekend, the drivers would attend the fan zone. They plan to distribute signed team caps to fans in Aston Martin apparel. Additionally, two fans will be selected for a special garage tour, where they will view a session and meet both drivers.
Allocation of Fine Proceeds
The FIA stated that the funds from the fine would be used at their discretion. The goal is to promote fan involvement in motorsport, particularly in this region, encouraging participants to serve as officials or engage in grassroots competitions.
