Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
Esteban Ocon received a suspended fine after arriving late to the FIA press conference on Thursday afternoon ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.
The Haas driver was summoned by the stewards after arriving late to Thursday's FIA press conference. He received a €5,000 fine, suspended for 12 months. Should Ocon commit the same offence again within that period, he will have to pay the suspended fine as well.
The stewards' wrote in their verdict: "Ocon was scheduled to attend the FIA Drivers' Press Conference at 14:30 as published in the official FIA Media Schedule but arrived approximately one minute late.
"The Driver explained that he was unexpectedly briefly delayed when rushing from a team meeting to get to the Press Conference and underestimated the time it would take to get there. He acknowledged that he was late but only missed part of the introduction and was present for all questions from media representatives.
Esteban Ocon - Photo: Race Pictures
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"The team representative apologised and committed to ensuring the team’s schedule would in future allow sufficient time for the drivers to get to media commitments on schedule.
"The Stewards note that attendance at FIA press activities is an important part of the Championship and that drivers are required to comply with the published timetable unless prevented by exceptional circumstances. The Stewards took into account the driver's explanation and, while not considering they were exceptional, nonetheless accepted they were mitigatory."
Not the first time a driver was late this season
Earlier this season, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc were also handed similar fines after arriving late to the FIA press conference during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. Like Ocon, both received suspended fines.
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Belgian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 17.07.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
03:00 PM
Saturday 18.07.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
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02:00 PM
Sunday 19.07.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 17.07.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 03:00 PM
Saturday 18.07.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 19.07.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
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