Lance Stroll is being investigated by the FIA, the body that oversees elite motorsports, following “several incidents” at the F1 Qatar Grand Prix at the weekend. Stroll finished in 11th place at the Losail Circuit as Max Verstappen clinched the drivers’ championship, but the Canadian was at the center of attention after losing his cool following a woeful qualifying performance.
Stroll was eliminated in the first round of qualifying and the Aston Martin driver – whose father, Lawrence, owns the team – was caught on camera throwing his steering wheel out of his car. He then quickly headed to the back of the garage and pushed his trainer, Henry Howe, out of the way. When speaking to the host broadcaster, Stroll offered just seven words before ending the interview.
“The FIA Compliance Officer is in discussion with Lance Stroll in relation to several incidents that may have contravened FIA rules, policies and procedures during the Qatar Grand Prix,” a spokesman for the authority said.
Stroll was criticized for his actions by fans in the aftermath, and his behaviour has also alerted the racing authorities. It is unclear at this stage what specific regulations Stroll is suspected of breaching, but Autosport.com reports the investigation relates to the incidents that occurred within the garage, and it is likely seven-year F1 veteran is being probed under the auspices of the disrepute clause in the FIA International Sporting Code.
“I think we need to be careful with that. We want to see it, because then we have something to talk about. But then I think it goes one step too far when you have 10 people, sitting down on the sofa or in an air-conditioned room, and saying ‘this is too much or you cannot do that’. I think we need to have a bit more respect for the drivers and for elite sportsmen, I would say.”
If Stroll is found to have breached Article 12.2.1c of the rules, which prohibits conduct “prejudicial to the interests” of the sport, he could face a similar punishment to Verstappen. The Dutchman was hit with two days of public service for the FIA as a punishment after he pushed Esteban Ocon during an altercation at the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2018.
Aston Martin has declined to comment on Tuesday’s announcement by the FIA.
