FIA officially warns Stroll over Qatar GP garage tantrum

The FIA has handed Lance Stroll an official warning for his conduct in the wake of his Q1 elimination from qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend.

After the session, an angry Stroll climbed out of his car made his way towards the back of the Aston Martin garage, ignoring a directive from his performance coach Henry Howe to exit at the front to present himself at the weighbridge.

As Howe insisted, Stroll then abruptly vented his frustration by showing his coach out of the way.

Earlier this week, it came to light that the FIA was investigated the matter, with Stroll referred to the governing body’s Compliance Officer to determine whether his actions had breached motorsport’s Code of Ethics.

• Read also: Aston Martin urges more ‘respect’ for drivers’ emotions

On Friday, the FIA issued an update in which it stated that it had handed Stroll a warning regarding his antics in Qatar.

“We can confirm that the FIA Compliance Officer has received an apology from Lance Stroll regarding his actions during the 2023 FIA Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix,” read the FIA statement.

“The Compliance Officer has noted this apology and issued a written warning, reminding Lance of his responsibilities as a competitor bound by the FIA Code of Ethics and other FIA ethical and conduct guidelines set forth by the sporting regulations.

“The FIA maintains a zero-tolerance stance against misconduct and condemns any actions that may lead to physical harassment.”

Stroll’s frustrations have been swelling with each passing race this season and with the Canadian’s inability to extract himself from a rut that started last summer.

His underperformance in qualifying and on race day relative to Aston’s team leader Fernando Alonso has been significant and prompted suggestions that Team Silverstone should entrust its second car to another driver in 2024 to avoid the points shortfall - and therefore prize money deficit - that Stroll’s lack of results have produced.

But all signs point to the 24-year-old remaining with his father’s outfit next season.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter