Stroll apologizes as FIA warns against physical harassment

Lance Stroll has apologized to the FIA for his conduct at the Qatar Grand Prix, with the governing body warning that it “condemns any actions that may lead to physical harassment”.

The Aston Martin driver was captured pushing his performance coach Henry Howe at the back of the team’s garage after being eliminated in Q1 on the Friday at Lusail, with Howe trying to ensure he exited through the front and walked up the pit lane to get weighed as per FIA protocols. Stroll also vented his frustration during a following interview, before admitting the following day: “I f***ing hate having a bad day, I’m not going to change”.

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However, the FIA compliance officer opened discussions with Stroll regarding his conduct as it felt there were “several incidents that may have contravened FIA rules, policies and procedures” during the Qatar race weekend, and has now concluded the process following an apology from the Canadian.

“We can confirm that the FIA compliance officer has received an apology from Lance Stroll regarding his actions during the 2023 FIA Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix,” an FIA spokesperson said. “The compliance officer has noted 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 forth by the sporting regulations.

“The FIA maintains a zero-tolerance stance against misconduct and condemns any actions that may lead to physical harassment.”