Williams Fined €50,000 by FIA for Missing Camera Footage in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, March 22 — Formula One stewards have fined Williams €50,000 (US$54,070), with €40,000 suspended, for failing to comply with regulations regarding on-car cameras during the Chinese Grand Prix.

The team was unable to provide footage from the forward and rear-facing wireless cameras within the required timeframe, according to the stewards.

"The failure occurred due to the team’s assumption that the cameras would be equipped with SD cards supplied by the FIA. They did not verify this," the stewards stated.

Upon realizing the absence of SD cards after Friday’s practice session, Williams did not report the issue to the Technical Delegate. The footage was necessary under a new technical directive aimed at enforcing stricter regulations on rear wing flexibility.

Stewards clarified that there was no indication of non-compliance with bodywork flexibility regulations.

Williams admitted the oversight, attributing it to a miscommunication.

We have no concerns over the legality of our wing. It is the same specification used in Melbourne, fully compliant, and did not require modifications under the new directive,” the team stated.

“Yesterday’s issue was procedural, and we are confident that future recordings will be provided without any problems.” — AFP