Formula 1 started the Monaco GP weekend with a penalty involving two of the grid’s main names. Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris were found guilty of being late for the official press conference organized by the FIA on Thursday.
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As a consequence, Ferrari and McLaren received fines of 5,000 euros each. However, the penalty will be suspended for twelve months and will only be applied if a similar infringement occurs again during this period.
The press conference is part of the mandatory activities determined by the FIA for six selected drivers at each event, divided into two groups. Non-attendance or delay can result in sanctions, as provided by the category’s regulations.
In Monte Carlo, Leclerc and Norris were scheduled to participate in the first interview session, set to begin at 2:30 PM local time. However, the start of the activity was delayed by a few minutes due to the late arrival of the two drivers.
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During the analysis of the case, both explained to the stewards that the delay occurred due to a prior commitment. Still, the FIA understood that there was a possible violation of article B10.1.1.a of the Formula 1 regulations, regarding mandatory and punctual presence at press conferences held on Thursdays of race weekends.
The summons for clarification was formalized a few hours after the press conference. Norris and Leclerc appeared before the stewards on Friday morning, at different times. After evaluating the justifications presented, the FIA chose to apply only the suspended fine, without sporting consequences for the drivers before the track activities at the Monaco GP.
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