The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) imposed a suspended fine of €5,000 on Esteban Ocon after the driver arrived about a minute late to the official press conference on Thursday (17), before the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. The Frenchman was scheduled to participate in the first interview session alongside Max Verstappen and Alex Albon, but only arrived after the presentations had already started.
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As per the standard procedure for this type of infraction, the penalty was applied but will remain suspended for 12 months, provided there is no recurrence. Before the decision, the stewards heard from Ocon and a Haas representative, who apologized for the delay and stated that the team will give drivers more time to meet FIA official media commitments.
In the report, the entity explained: “The stewards heard the driver of Car 31 (Esteban Ocon) and the team representative. Car 31 was scheduled to participate in the FIA Drivers’ Press Conference at 2:30 PM, as published in the official FIA media schedule, but arrived approximately one minute late.”
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According to Ocon, the delay occurred when leaving a team meeting. “The driver explained that he was briefly and unexpectedly delayed when leaving a team meeting to get to the press conference and underestimated the time it would take to get there. He acknowledged he was late but only missed part of the introduction and was present for all questions from the press representatives.”
The stewards considered the justification as a mitigating factor but emphasized that participation in FIA press activities is mandatory.
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