What will the FIA do about Ferrari on 26th June?

[Mark F1]

I'm afraid they will probably only get a slap on the wrists and a "Don't do it again" from the men in suits. Let's face it, the FIA are more concerned about the incidents during the podium celebrations than the actual "Race Fixing"

[Liz]

If this story keeps heating up the way it is, they will have to do something drastic or the courts will do it for them.

Bernie is tottering on the edge of the grave with one foot on a banana peel as it is -- he does not want to go down in history as the man who turned F1 into a roaring farce. Believe me, something will be done.

[Speedworx]

I'd like to see a ban, as it would really teach them a lesson.

[Hugh Jarce]

No fines - they have too much money between them.

I'd like to see them stripped of the Austrian points and banned for the next race. The sponsors would go ape if they missed a GP!

But, that is probably too optimistic.

FIA = Forsee insignificant action!

[Asp]

I hope I'm wrong, but if past experience is anything to go by, they'll be told not to do it again in such a way as that

[Jay]

I'm not sure what exactly, but I do know that the number one consideration in their decision will be $$$$$$$$$.

They'll want to find away to keep the sponsors, and keep the zealots paying for their digital TV, and spending their paycheques on Ferrari merachandise.

[freud]

I voted for 'race bans'... I have a feeling that Ferrari & Michael went too far this time. If FIA doesnt take any action, formula one's reputation will go down the drain.

[paulzinho]

Has Bernie or Max for that matter commented on what happenned? They've been far too quiet for my liking.

[Mekola]

I think there will be warned, or fined. Not much more.

[Ralf's Girl]

Originally posted by freud
If FIA doesnt take any action, formula one's reputation will go down the drain.

Will go? I think it's already gone - on Monday several people I spoke to at school asked me how I could watch a sport as disgraceful as F1 because it was an insult to its fans, and that was from people who don't even like F1.

I think Ferrari will get a warning and/or suspended ban - so in effect nothing, because the FIA will never ban Ferrari. Just like after Malaysia 99, Ferrari will be able to bend the rules beyond the recognition of anybody with half a brain so that they can wriggle out of trouble.

[Wrex]

OK take there points off them. Or give them a 3 race ban. Better still, through them out of the series for the rest of the season. Problem solved.

Then rewrite the history of almost every championship since 1950. And don't forget to hand Michael and Ferrari the WDC after Mika and DC traded places at Melbourne (1998?).

Be realistic, as disgusting as it was, it was legal. It should'nt be, but it is. I think all we can do (the fans) is boycott the sponsors and support other teams. When it hurts financially, they'll stop doing it.

And for the podiam stuff, seriously, it is really worth anything more than a warning or fine, No. We cannot change what happened in Austria, and its bad Karma to keep trying. However, we can keep the pressure on to make sure it does'nt happen again.

[paulzinho]

Originally posted by Wrex

Be realistic, as disgusting as it was, it was legal.

But was it? Isn't it a criminal offence to fix the outcome of sporting events?

[Liz]

Seeing there is major pending litigation being bruited about in Austria and Italy, and that's just for openers, I would guess that this has gone well beyond being an FIA matter. This is a matter for the courts now. Whatever the FIA do to TGF and Rubens will be just a small footnote now.

Whether he wants to admit it or not, TGF's career is over, whether he continues to drive in a rigged championship or not.

[dretceterini]

Bernie needs the money...

[Doc Sideways]

Originally posted by Wrex
Be realistic, as disgusting as it was, it was legal.....

Ahh, but it wasn't! Team Orders are legal in F1, but race fixing and/or bringing the sport into disrepute are NOT, be it in F1's regs or National laws.

And that is what this whole furore is about. An immoral decision. They did NOT overstep the technical bounds in respect of the order, but they overstepped a fine line morally and that is what needs to be punished.

I HOPE they take Ferrari's WCC points away from Austria, AND More actually.

But I think the best we can hope for is the following;
The FIA appear to more upset (wrongly imho) about the Podium antics than the race result. And so I reckon the "slap on the wrist" (because that's what what I'm about to suggest will amount to) for Ferrari will be that seeing as MS saw fit to hand RB position 1 on the Dias AND the trophy, the FIA will say something like; "Fine, then RB gets the win and the points and MS takes second."

That's what I reckon is the best we can hope for. Anything more than that........... is a Bonus!!