Aston Martin duo Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were hauled before the FIA stewards ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after both drivers skipped a mandatory fan engagement event on Friday. The team claimed the pair were told they weren’t needed because they weren’t driving in FP1, but the stewards weren’t having it and slapped Aston Martin with two $25,000 fines (with $15,000 of each suspended).
The official report stressed that fans are “the core of Formula 1” and that skipping scheduled appearances, even during a five-hour gap between sessions, is not acceptable. The FIA made it clear that the sporting regulations exist for a reason and that driver obligations don’t disappear just because there’s no track action.
In a classy and swift response, Aston Martin promised to make it up to supporters this weekend. The team pledged that both Alonso and Stroll will visit the fan zone, hand out signed caps to every fan wearing Aston Martin gear, and select two lucky supporters for a full garage tour, a session view from inside the garage, and a photo opportunity with the drivers.
The incident comes as Aston Martin limp to the end of a difficult 2025 season, stuck in seventh place in the constructors’ standings and 12 points adrift of Racing Bulls. Fernando Alonso, currently 12th in the drivers’ championship, admitted the year has been “testing” but insisted the struggles will lay the groundwork for future success.
With the title fight raging up front, the fines and fan drama serve as a reminder that even in the season finale, no team escapes the stewards’ attention completely.
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