Formula One drivers were left surprised by the recent decision of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the sport's governing body, to raise the fines imposed by stewards.
Under the recent amendment to the FIA's International Sporting Code, the governing body can now hand out fines of up to €1 million ($1.06 million) on Formula One drivers, marking a significant rise from the previous maximum fine limit of €250,000 ($264,000).
The decision was made during the recent World Motor Sport Council meeting held by the FIA in Geneva, Switzerland, this week.
Other topics discussed in the meeting were the 2026 Formula 1 power unit regulations, tire testing allowances, and championship calendars for other events, such as Formula E and the World Rally Championship.
F1 drivers react to new fines
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamiton declared that he would only pay the maximum amount on one condition.
"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," the seven-time world champion said.
Meanwhile, Red Bull's Max Verstappen isn't sure what kind of penalty warrants a million-dollar fine.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc noted that some F1 drivers aren't making as much as the top stars, and being slapped with a huge penalty could affect them drastically.
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