Esteban Ocon handed suspended FIA fine after one-minute mistake

Esteban Ocon has been handed a suspended €5,000 fine by the FIA for being late to Thursday's drivers' press conference ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

Ocon was scheduled to feature in the first of two drivers' press conferences at Spa-Francorchamps, alongside Max Verstappen and Alex Albon.

However, the Frenchman was a minute late for the media commitment, only taking his seat after the introductions had already begun.

As is standard protocol when a driver is late, Ocon has received a €5,000 fine, although it is suspended for 12 months unless he commits the same offence again.

During his summons, Haas' team representative apologised for the driver being late, assuring the stewards that the team would allow more time in future for official FIA media duties.

The FIA stewards' report read: "The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 31 (Esteban Ocon) and the team Representative. 

"Car 31 was scheduled to attend the FIA Drivers' Press Conference at 14:30 as published in the official FIA media schedule but arrived approximately one minute late.

"The driver explained that he was unexpectedly briefly delayed when rushing from a team meeting to get to the press conference and underestimated the time it would take to get there. He acknowledged that he was late but only missed part of the introduction and was present for all questions from media representatives. The team representative apologised and committed to ensuring the team’s schedule would in future allow sufficient time for the drivers to get to media commitments on schedule.

"The Stewards note that attendance at FIA press activities is an important part of the championship and that drivers are required to comply with the published timetable unless prevented by exceptional circumstances. The Stewards took into account the driver's explanation and, while not considering they were exceptional, nonetheless accepted they were mitigatory. 

"Consistent with previous infringements of a similar nature, the Stewards determined to impose a fine. Noting that in accordance with Article 9.15.1 of the FIA International Sporting Code, the competitor is responsible for the actions of its driver, the fine is imposed on the Competitor. As this is the competitor’s first infringement of this type this season, and taking into account the driver’s explanation, the fine is suspended for a period of 12 months subject to there being no further breach of a similar nature."