F1 NEWS: FIA Stewards Warn F1 Drivers of Stricter Penalties for P…read more
FIA Stewards Warn F1 Drivers of Stricter Penalties for Pit-Lane Breaches Ahead of Bahrain GP
Formula 1 drivers have been cautioned about tighter enforcement of pit-lane rules, as stewards prepare to issue harsher penalties for future violations during the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
The warning follows a series of infractions at the Japanese Grand Prix, where four drivers including Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri were officially warned for cutting the line in the pit lane to conduct practice starts. While no sporting penalties were handed out at Suzuka, the FIA has now made it clear that repeat offenses could lead to more serious consequences.
FIA Promises Tougher Enforcement
In a post-race statement regarding Verstappen’s warning, the stewards emphasized that the leniency shown in Japan would not set a precedent:
“The fact that a warning was issued for the four cases this weekend is not to be taken as a precedent… future breaches of pit lane procedures may involve a sporting penalty.”
This signals that similar actions in Bahrain could lead to time penalties, grid drops, or other disciplinary measures.
Title Battle Intensifies Amid Scrutiny
The renewed focus on pit-lane discipline comes as the championship battle intensifies. Verstappen closed the gap to McLaren’s Lando Norris to just one point following his dominant win in Japan. Despite finishing behind the Dutchman, Norris managed to extend McLaren’s lead in the Constructors’ standings, with Piastri also finishing on the podium.
Norris’ MCL39 was also subjected to a routine FIA inspection after the race, which it passed without any issues.
Hamilton and Antonelli Also Cited
Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, and Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli were also among the drivers warned for pit-lane conduct in Suzuka. Hamilton ended the race in seventh, just behind Antonelli, who continues to impress early in the season.
With the Bahrain Grand Prix on the horizon, the pressure is mounting for teams and drivers to avoid any procedural slip-ups, as the FIA shows it is ready to enforce penalties if needed.
