Wolff calls for ‘reality check’ on ‘surreal’ €1M fines

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes the FIA is in need of “a reality with real life” following its decision to raise the upper limit to €1 million on the fines that can be potentially handed out by stewards.

The governing body adjusted the level prescribed in its International Sporting Code – which was previously set at €250,000 – to better reflect “the current needs of motorsport”.

GPDA director George Russell slammed the FIA’s decision, calling the new amount “ridiculous” and “obscene” and questioning its justification while also requesting transparency from the FIA regarding how the proceeds of its fines are used.

Russell’s observations and concerns were shared by his F1 colleagues, but Wolff added that the FIA’s move also sends the wrong message to the sport’s fans at a time when economic hardship is widespread.

"There needs to be some deterrent for grave infringements of the regulations, but none of that was on the radar of anyone that it would be coming," Wolff said on Friday in Austin.

"A million, we need to do a reality check with real life, whether that is an adequate fine or not. I don't think we've ever fined a driver 250k, so raising the ceiling is something that one needs to understand where it comes from.

• Read also: Russell, F1 colleagues slam ‘obscene’ €1 million fines by FIA

"I don't think we want to portray Formula 1 out there in a world where it's tough enough to give drivers fines of a million, I think half of the grid wouldn't be able to pay them.

"I don't think we should be playing around with those numbers that seem very surreal for people that are watching us."

Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack agreed with Wolff, also saying that the FIA "needs to come back to reality".

"Yeah, I especially agree with what Toto said,” he said. “Let's keep our feet on the ground to be throwing with such numbers.

"We have spectators here that are buying tickets already for quite high prices and by throwing numbers around like we do currently, I think we need to come back a little bit more to reality.

"There are a lot of drivers who don't even make anything in these areas, so I don't know where it came from. I was caught out as well when I read it."

Queried on the FIA’s extravagant fine hike, Lewis Hamilton echoed Russell’s concerns and suggested that the governing body should provide more clarity on where it invests the proceeds from its fines, an opinion shared by Haas boss Guenther Steiner.

"It needs to be realistic, and also a few drivers brought it up: where's the money going?'," Steiner said.

"In a lot of sports, it goes to charities, which if I would have a say in it, a vote in it, that’s what I would say.

"I would suggest, you know, if somebody has to pay these high fines, at least he should be involved in saying where it is going – to a charity which he likes.

"I don't really understand why we need such a high level of fine, I mean, the best [thing] is try to stay out of it and not get one."

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