After exiting qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix early, Lance Stroll threw his steering wheel and appeared not to observe correct weigh-in protocols; the Aston Martin driver also appeared to push his personal trainer aside as he left the garage
Last updated: 10/13/23 5:02 p.m.
The FIA has issued a written warning to Lance Stroll after the Aston Martin driver apologized for his actions during last weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix.
Sky Sports News understands that Stroll’s actions are linked to his behavior after Friday’s qualifying when he threw his steering wheel and appeared not to observe correct weigh-in protocols.
The Canadian also appeared to push his personal trainer aside as he left the garage following his exit from Q1 for the fourth race in a row.
He then gave a very short interview to F1 where he answered three questions in six words, emphasizing his disappointment.
An FIA spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the FIA Compliance Officer has received an apology from Lance Stroll regarding his actions during the 2023 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix.
“The Compliance Officer took note of 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 out by sporting regulations.
“The FIA maintains zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior and condemns any action that could lead to physical harassment.”
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Lance Stroll and Alex Albon both struggle to get out of their cars in front of on-board cameras at the end of a grueling Qatar GP. Both drivers were given the green light after medical checks.
Stroll finished just outside the points, 11th, after starting 17th on the grid. He received several track limits penalties, which prevented him from scoring his first points since the Belgian Grand Prix in July, and was one of the drivers to appear visibly tired after the race.
His teammate Fernando Alonso, who finished sixth, is 136 points ahead of Stroll and has started every race in the top 10, while the Canadian has achieved this feat only six times this season.
Alonso has a 15-2 lead in qualifying over Stroll, who missed the Singapore Grand Prix after a big crash in Q1.
Sky Sports F1Naomi Schiff of , was among those who criticized Stroll’s behavior after qualifying in Qatar.
“It’s completely inappropriate. You can’t behave this way. No matter how disappointing your day has been, these are the people who are working to get you on the right track, to make it happen for you, you can’t treat your team like that..
“It’s one thing to have a bad day, get out of the car and apologize. But getting out and acting that way just isn’t enough.
“He’s clearly in distress. We have to show empathy because he’s a human being, he has his emotions. He’s going through something but that doesn’t mean it’s okay. We have to act better.
“Felipe Drugovich (Aston Martin reserve driver) is behind the scenes and he would be more than grateful to be in this car and will not behave this way.”
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