F1 is a sport where teams and drivers go to extreme lengths to gain an advantage over their competition. With every constructor in charge of developing their car according to the set ‘Formula’ stated by the FIA, it is more often than not the teams and drivers end up on the wrong side of the rulebook. Technical violations of the rules, poor racing etiquette on the track and influencing results on track via means other than racing have not been unheard of in the sport.
Such behavior is often met with stern reprimands from the FIA, which acts as the governing body of the highest echelon in motorsports. There have been several instances in the history of F1 where the committed crime is deemed so heinous that sponsors are forced to pull out of commitments with the teams and the sport.
Leclerc has been handed a 5-second penalty for cutting the chicane at the end
That means Perez now finishes second, Leclerc drops to third
#JapaneseGP #F1
Leclerc has been handed a 5-second penalty for cutting the chicane at the endThat means Perez now finishes second, Leclerc drops to third #JapaneseGP #F1 https://t.co/Tj3iQXmYk4
Such events also attract record-breaking penalties from the FIA, which go on to set a precedent in the sport. After all, with F1’s global presence, the conservation of the sport’s image also lay in the hands of the governing body.
10 most controversial fines and punishments handed out by the FIA in F1
The history of F1 has seen significant events where a team’s or driver’s desire to win overcomes rational thinking, leading to controversial behavior, often followed up with suitable punishment. In a sport as high as a stakes as motorsport, success is more often than not found by those willing to push the limits.
The following are the 10 most controversial fines and punishments handed out by the FIA in F1:
#10 Schumacher’s delibrate contact with the barriers at Monaco
Often referred to as the greatest driver in the history of F1, Michael Schumacher liked to flirt with the rules regularly. One instance of the German’s clever tactics came at the 2006 Monaco Grand Prix.
In the 2006 Monaco GP Qualifying; Michael Schumacher, after setting the fastest lap, parked his car at the Rascasse Chicane, denying Fernando Alonso his final lap which could have given him the pole. He was penalized, starting the race from the back of the grid. #OffSeasonF1FactsIn the 2006 Monaco GP Qualifying; Michael Schumacher, after setting the fastest lap, parked his car at the Rascasse Chicane, denying Fernando Alonso his final lap which could have given him the pole. He was penalized, starting the race from the back of the grid. #OffSeasonF1Facts https://t.co/iKyiTlw7BZ
Schumacher failed to challenge for pole position over the weekend, due to which he hit the barriers at the circuit’s Rasscasse corner, bringing out the yellow flags. This resulted in all the drivers behind the Ferrari being forced to abandon their laps. After being proven guilty, the FIA dropped Schumacher to the back of the grid.
#9 James Hunt’s disqualification
The 1976 season has been showcased as one of the closest and most intense title fights ever to have taken place in the sport. The season, which was deemed good enough for a Hollywood movie, saw James Hunt retire twice out of the opening three races of the year, with Niki Lauda cementing his lead over the Britton.
“@Martin_F1B: #RetroF1 James #Hunt just being a lad. Love the 1976 season http://t.co/X9uy7ahzjR” After the Spanish GP disqualification”@Martin_F1B: #RetroF1 James #Hunt just being a lad. Love the 1976 season http://t.co/X9uy7ahzjR” After the Spanish GP disqualification
Hunt bounced back into contention with a win at Jarama, which he was later disqualified from due to technical infringements on his McLaren. However, two months later, the win was reinstated by the FIA.
#8 Tyrell’s disqualification from the championship
One of the most serious punishments ever handed out by the FIA came in the form of Tyrell, a constructor in the sport’s disqualification from hr championship in 1984.
The team was found to have multiple technical infringements in the form of illegal fuel, fuel lines and ballast in their car. This led to them being excluded from the season with three races to go.
#7 BAR’s 2-race ban
British American Racing, better known as BAR, was also one of the teams that managed to step on the wrong side of the FIA’s rulebook. The team received a 2-race ban from the governing body in 2005 after an inspection revealed a second fuel tank in the car.
2005 SHANGHAI
This was British American Racing (BAR)’s final #F1 race. They sold their remaining 60% shares to Honda, who took over full-time for 2006
Whilst Jenson clinched p8, beleaguered Takuma Sato retired with gearbox issues before moving to Super Aguri for 06 #F1
2005 SHANGHAIThis was British American Racing (BAR)’s final #F1 race. They sold their remaining 60% shares to Honda, who took over full-time for 2006Whilst Jenson clinched p8, beleaguered Takuma Sato retired with gearbox issues before moving to Super Aguri for 06 #F1 https://t.co/tiTfSC23Rk
The tank was used to add extra weight to the car, which would drop once the fuel was used up in the race, giving them an unfair advantage in terms of the overall weight of their car.
#6 Ferrari team orders
The Maranello-based Scuderia Ferrari F1 team is notorious for strict team orders between its drivers. It was apparent when Felipe Massa was told to let a certain Fernando Alonso past him.
Bueno momento para recordar el.
Fernando Is Faster Than You!
Bueno momento para recordar el.Fernando Is Faster Than You! https://t.co/hKJRpYuq87
“Felipe, Fernando is faster than you. Do you understand?” – were the words that Massa heard while letting his teammate through. However, a penalty was incoming for the prancing horse soon after, as blatant team orders were banned in the sport at the time. Ferrari ended up paying a fine of $100,000 -order rule was overturned soon thereafter.
#5 Mercedes and Pirelli’s repriman in 2013
After the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, F1 team Mercedes and the official tire supplier of the sport, Pirelli, was seen at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya well after the event was over. This raised suspicions in the paddock regarding the two organizations’ probable exchange of information.
the first mercedes returning with great willingness and development comnciato first have results then diveta winning mercedes f1 2013 I wish
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