Even before the first free practice sessions at Spa-Francorchamps, Esteban Ocon had already been summoned by the race stewards. The Haas driver was fined for being late to a media obligation.
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The Belgian Grand Prix weekend started unusually for Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman was sanctioned by the FIA stewards even before the first free practice sessions began, following his tardiness at the official press conference held on Thursday.
Ocon was supposed to participate in this conference alongside Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon. However, when the session started, the Haas driver was still not present. Arriving about a minute late, he had to explain himself before the stewards on Friday.
A fine… ultimately suspended
After reviewing the circumstances, the stewards decided to impose a 5,000 euro fine on Haas, suspended for twelve months.
In their decision, they explained that the driver admitted to underestimating the time needed to reach the press room after a meeting with his team.
“Car number 31 was supposed to attend the FIA press conference at 2:30 PM but arrived about a minute late.”
The stewards also specified:
“The driver explained that he was briefly delayed while hurrying to leave a team meeting to join the press conference. He acknowledged his lateness but only missed the introduction and was present to answer all media questions.”
The Haas representative apologized and assured that internal organization would be adjusted so that this situation would not happen again.
A sanction consistent with precedents
The FIA reminds that drivers’ presence at official media activities is an integral part of the World Championship obligations.
“The stewards remind that participation in FIA press activities is an important part of the Championship and that drivers must respect published schedules, except in exceptional circumstances.”
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Even though Ocon’s explanations were accepted as mitigating circumstances, they were not deemed sufficiently exceptional to avoid a sanction.
As in the cases of Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris in Monaco earlier this season, the FIA therefore chose a suspended fine.
“As this is the competitor’s first infraction of this type this season, and considering the driver’s explanations, the fine is suspended for a period of twelve months, provided no similar infraction is committed.”
In accordance with international sporting regulations, the fine is officially imposed on the Haas team, responsible for the actions of its driver.
Ocon now wants to revive Haas at Spa
Once he joined the press conference, Esteban Ocon also spoke about Haas’s current difficulties, which is going through a tough period after several Grands Prix without scoring points.
“These last races have been difficult for the team. We are currently looking to gain performance. We have some new parts this weekend and we need to keep progressing.”
The Frenchman believes that the maximum was extracted from the car at Silverstone, but that it was not enough against the midfield competition.
“We extracted the maximum from the car at Silverstone, which was positive, but it was not enough. We know what we need to work on and the whole team is focused on that. I hope we will see the first results here, or when other upgrades arrive on the car.”
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