Stewards at the Austrian Grand Prix have explained the thinking behind the suspended fines they issued to Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes after the race. Podium finishers Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were all called up over an alleged breach of Article 12.2.1.i) of the International Sporting Code – more specifically parc ferme conditions. The article in question related to a "failure to follow the instructions of the relevant officials for the safe and orderly conduct of the event". After looking into the matter, the stewards confirmed that the drivers' physios - or "assistants" - entered parc ferme without permission and gave each team suspended fines of €10,000.
Austrian GP stewards expand on their verdicts
While the top three finishers held onto their positions on this occasion, the stewards were keen to note how seriously they will take repeat offences. "The stewards received a report from the Media Delegate, which was subsequently confirmed by video evidence, that the physio/drivers' assistants of the top three finishers entered parc ferme without permission," read the stewards' decision document. This was deemed to be "in violation of the procedure that was published prior to the race 'for the orderly conduct of the event'." "In part this is to prevent handing over of items to the drivers prior to them being weighed," continued the explanation. Each competitor was fined €10,000, "which will be suspended for the remainder of the season pending any further violation of the procedure". Meanwhile, the competitors have been warned that "the passes of the individuals concerned may be revoked in case of systemic violation".
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