Drivers shocked by ‘obscene’ prospect of Rs 8.81cr fines

“Maybe one of the drivers who has been paid a lot would be happy to pay that much, but it seems to be pretty obscene,” said Mercedes driver Russell, 25, having revealed that he lost money in the early years of his F1 career

Formula One’s top drivers have expressed their shock at the possibility they could face fines of up to one million euros (approx. Rs 8.81cr) for breaches of the ‘sporting code’ after ruling body the International Motoring Federation (FIA) quadrupled the limit. 

Britain’s George Russell branded the initiative “obscene” and unrealistic, saying most drivers could not afford such heavy fines, confirming that the drivers will meet on Friday ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.

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“Maybe one of the drivers who has been paid a lot would be happy to pay that much, but it seems to be pretty obscene,” said Mercedes driver Russell, 25, having revealed that he lost money in the early years of his F1 career. 

Russell and his colleagues reacted late on Thursday to a decision taken by the FIA to quadruple the limit for fines, for breaches of their Sporting Code, following a meeting of the World Motor Sports Council in Geneva earlier. 

The limit had been unchanged for 12 years and the announcement came as a shock to most drivers. 

Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, said: “I think it’s pretty ridiculous that a driver could be fined one million euros.”  

Two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin said he felt the increase in the fines “sounds not appropriate.” Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, like Alonso one of the best-paid drivers over a long period, said: “If they are going to be fining a million, let’s make sure that 100 per cent of that goes to a cause.”

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