F1 FIA VERDICT: FIA Delivers PENALTY VERDICTS After 6 Drivers SUMMONED

The FIA has handed down its verdicts after investigating multiple incidents following the chaotic 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, summoning six drivers to the Stewards for various infractions. The race, already marred by an aborted start and multiple on-track issues, resulted in a number of fines and reprimands for procedural violations. Here’s a breakdown of the key penalties and how the drivers involved were affected.

Mercedes Fined for Tire Pressure Violations
Both Mercedes drivers, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, were summoned to the Stewards after their team was seen adjusting tire pressures on the grid following the race’s aborted start. Such actions are typically prohibited, and in many cases, this kind of infraction could result in disqualification. However, the FIA imposed a €10,000 fine on Mercedes, split evenly between the two cars (€5,000 per car). The governing body explained that the unusual situation contributed to the leniency of the penalty. Specifically, it was noted that the gate to the grid was not opened on time, making it “extremely difficult, if not impossible” for teams to follow the procedure outlined in the technical directive. This allowed the Mercedes drivers to escape without harsher consequences.

Carlos Sainz Receives Reprimand for Dangerous Driving
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was investigated for dangerous driving following a collision in which he attempted to remove and reinstall his steering wheel while marshals were still in the process of recovering his car. Such actions are considered a breach of safety regulations, as drivers must refrain from regaining control of their vehicle when marshals are on the track. Despite this, Sainz avoided a penalty and was instead issued a formal reprimand for his actions. This decision came as a relief to Ferrari, as any additional penalties would have compounded a frustrating race weekend for the team.

Lando Norris and George Russell Penalized for Start Procedure Infringements
Lando Norris, who started from pole position, faced scrutiny for a potential start procedure violation. After Lance Stroll crashed on the first Formation Lap, the race start was aborted. However, as Norris led the pack on a second Formation Lap, the starting lights had not yet gone green, leading to confusion on the grid. The FIA determined that Norris’s actions contributed to other drivers following his lead. As a result, Norris was given a reprimand and fined €5,000.

George Russell, who had started alongside Norris on the front row, was investigated for the same issue. Since Russell’s actions were deemed to have mirrored those of Norris, the Mercedes driver received an identical punishment—€5,000 fine and a reprimand.

VCARB Drivers Avoid Penalties
Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, driving for VCARB, were also investigated for their roles in the start procedure confusion. However, the FIA decided not to penalize them, as they were simply reacting to the actions of Norris and Russell ahead of them on the grid. The Stewards stated that although both Lawson and Tsunoda technically breached the regulations, they were not primarily responsible for the infringement. As such, no further action was taken against the two VCARB drivers.

2024 Brazilian Grand Prix Results
Despite the post-race investigations and penalties, the results of the Brazilian Grand Prix stood. Max Verstappen once again dominated, securing victory along with the fastest lap. Esteban Ocon delivered an impressive performance to finish second, while his Alpine teammate Pierre Gasly took third place, completing an unexpected double podium for the team. George Russell managed to finish fourth, despite the start procedure issues. Charles Leclerc claimed fifth place for Ferrari, with Norris finishing sixth following his penalties.

Yuki Tsunoda secured seventh, while Oscar Piastri came in eighth, adding more points to McLaren’s tally. Liam Lawson finished ninth, just ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who rounded out the top ten. The remainder of the field included Sergio Perez in 11th, Oliver Bearman in 12th, and Valtteri Bottas in 13th place. Further down the order, Fernando Alonso finished 14th, while Zhou Guanyu took 15th. Both Carlos Sainz and Franco Colapinto retired from the race, classified as DNFs. Nico Hulkenberg was disqualified after an earlier incident, while Alex Albon and Lance Stroll were unable to start the race.

Final Standings:

1. Max Verstappen – Fastest Lap

2. Esteban Ocon

3. Pierre Gasly

4. George Russell

5. Charles Leclerc

6. Lando Norris

7. Yuki Tsunoda

8. Oscar Piastri

9. Liam Lawson

10. Lewis Hamilton

11. Sergio Perez

12. Oliver Bearman

13. Valtteri Bottas

14. Fernando Alonso

15. Zhou Guanyu

16. Carlos Sainz – DNF

17. Franco Colapinto – DNF

18. Nico Hulkenberg – DSQ

19. Alex Albon – DNS

20. Lance Stroll – DNS

The race results highlight both the excitement and the controversies that defined the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, with penalties and incidents adding an extra layer of complexity to the championship as the season nears its conclusion.