(Motorsport-Total.com) – On Friday morning, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris were each fined 5,000 Euros on probation. The reason for this is their late appearance at the official press conference before the Monaco Grand Prix.
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Both violated Article B10 of the . This article, among other things, defines how many drivers must appear at the press conference on Media Thursday. The verdict also refers to Articles 12.2.1.i and 12.2.1.p of the International Sporting Code.
These define the violation of the regulations as “failure to comply with the instructions of the competent officials for the safe and orderly conduct of the event” and “failure to comply with the FIA’s instructions regarding the designation and participation of persons in official ceremonies within the framework of a competition counting towards an FIA championship.”
Both drivers emphasized that they were late for the press conference due to prior engagements. However, the FIA does not consider this a valid excuse. It should be noted that in the past, they were quite willing to waive a penalty entirely if there was a plausible reason.
Max Verstappen, for example, was late for the press conference at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver’s delay was explained by traffic, and the team was able to warn the FIA in advance.
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In the press conference, two groups of three drivers each are questioned about the upcoming weekend. Previously, all six sat together on a stage and had to face questions from the world press.
These events have always been broadcast live on television, which is why the schedule is meticulously observed. Due to the delay of Leclerc and Norris, the group with Gabriel Bortoletto only started after a few minutes.
Those who do not participate in the official press conference must instead appear at the press rounds organized by the teams. If the behavior of the two drivers does not recur in the next twelve months, the penalty is not to be paid.
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