FIA confirms Lando Norris punishment after Monaco GP investigation

Lando Norris and McLaren have been handed a €5,000 suspended fine after the British driver arrived late to the mandatory FIA press conference on Thursday ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. The penalty mirrors the one given to Charles Leclerc and Ferrari earlier in the day, following an investigation by the stewards.

Why it matters:

Punctuality at official FIA media sessions is a strict requirement in Formula 1. Teams are held responsible for their drivers' compliance, and the FIA enforces this through fines. The suspended penalty means no immediate payment unless a similar breach occurs within the next 12 months.

The details:

• Both Norris and Leclerc were scheduled for Thursday's press conference but arrived several minutes late due to prior commitments.
• The FIA cited Article 9.15.1 of the International Sporting Code, which states the competitor (team) is responsible for the actions of its driver.
• Ferrari received the same €5,000 fine for Leclerc, also suspended for one year.
• The stewards' ruling noted that the penalty is imposed on the competitor, not the driver individually.

What's next:

Norris, who won the Monaco Grand Prix last year, downplayed McLaren's current form compared to 2023. He acknowledged that Ferrari and Mercedes appear strong this weekend, but remained optimistic about fighting for pole and victory. The disciplinary matter is now closed unless either team commits a similar infringement within 12 months.