© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 Race Director Michael Masi warned Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen that unsporting conduct could result in a points deduction.
After numerous questionable manoeuvers by Max Verstappen at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Michael Masi warned both Hamilton and Verstappen that any unsporting conduct in the final race could be penalised with a Championship points deduction.
This is especially relevant because, although Hamilton and Verstappen are equal in points, Max holds an advantage because he has one race win more than Lewis. This means that if both drivers don’t finish the race, Verstappen will become the 2021 champion.
In regular notes that the FIA sends to the teams ahead of races, Masi highlighted specific clauses of FIA’s International Sporting Code:
Article 9.15.1
“The Competitor shall be responsible for all acts or omissions on the part of any person taking part in, or providing a service in connection with, a Competition or a Championship on their behalf, including in particular their employees, direct or indirect, their Drivers, mechanics, consultants, service providers, or passengers, as well as any person to whom the Competitor has allowed access to the Reserved Areas.”
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Article 12.2.1 – Breach of Rules and in particular Article 12.2.1.l
“Any infringement of the principles of fairness in Competition, behaviour in an unsportsmanlike manner or attempt to influence the result of a Competition in a way that is contrary to sporting ethics.”
Article 12.4.5
“For all the FIA Championships, cups, challenges, trophies or series, the stewards may also decide to impose the following penalties: Suspension for one or more Competitions, withdrawal of points for the Championship, cup, challenge, trophy, series.”
Article 12.4.5.a
“Points should not be deducted separately from Drivers and Competitors, save in exceptional circumstances.”
Masi added the FIA will be keeping a close eye on any unsportsmanlike behaviour.
