FIA to increase fine levels on drivers

Formula One drivers could be fined up to €1m following a dramatic change to the sport's rulebook.

Ahead of this weekend’s United States Grand Prix, F1’s governing body announced it has increased the maximum sanction that stewards can impose on a driver from €250,000 to €871,500.

The FIA said the amount had been static for the last 12 years and "does not reflect the current needs of motor sports".

But the decision was met with surprise by the grid’s drivers. Daniel Ricciardo, back in action after missing five races with a broken hand, calling it "scary", and Haas’ Kevin Magnussen branding the move "ridiculous".

Lewis Hamilton, who next season will start a new £100m two-year deal with Mercedes, said: "If they are going to fine us €1m, let’s makes sure that 100% of that goes to a cause.

"There is a lot of money in this industry and there is a lot more that we need to do to increase diversity, improve access and create more opportunities for people who don’t have an opportunity to get into a sport like this.

"That is the only way they will get that money from me."

Hamilton also accused the FIA of "poor communication" following the governing body questioning his status as "a role model" after he walked across the track at the previous round in Qatar.

Hamilton, 38, was fined €50,000 – half of which is suspended for the remainder of the season – in the hours after the race on 8 October in which he crossed the circuit following a first-corner crash with Mercedes team-mate George Russell.

But seven days after the incident in Lusail, and in a largely unprecedented move, the FIA said Hamilton’s actions are under review.

A spokesperson for the governing body said: "In view of Lewis Hamilton’s role model status, the FIA is concerned about the