Source:REUTERS/HAMAD I MOHAMMED
[Saba Sports News] The World Motor Sports Council (WMSC) has made
changes to the International Sporting Code (ISC), specifically regarding fines
for Formula 1 (F1) drivers. The maximum fine for F1 drivers has been increased
from €250,000 to €1 million. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that the
previous maximum fine limit did not adequately reflect the current needs of the
F1 sport. Comparatively, other championships and series have a maximum fine
limit of €500,000, while World Endurance Racing, Formula E Championship, World
Rallycross, and Rally Crossing have a limit of €750,000. Mercedes team
principal Toto Wolff expressed concerns about the adjustment to the fine cap.
He believes that drivers in the early stages of their careers may not have the
financial means to pay such high fines, especially considering the economic
crisis. Wolff suggests that imposing million-level fines on drivers may not
align with the purpose of F1, and it is possible that a significant portion of
drivers may struggle to pay such fines. He further suggests that if drivers are
required to pay substantial fines, they should have a say in how the money is
used, such as being able to donate it to charitable causes.