Austrian Grand Prix controversy forced F1 rule change and saw team fined £800,000
The Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg will forever be remembered as the scene of one of the most contentious incidents in F1 history
The Austrian Grand Prix was the scene for one of the controversial moments in F1 history, which led to a heavy fine and a rule change. Back in 2002, Ferrari and Michael Schumacher were in the midst of their era of total domination.
The German icon arrived at Spielberg having won four of the first five races of the season, with a third straight drivers’ title with the Scuderia already looking inevitable. However, it was his teammate, Rubens Barrichello, who was on course for victory as Ferrari dominated again.
Then came the radio call which incurred the wrath of the F1 world. Despite being just the sixth race of the season, the Brazilian was told to move over and let Schumacher through.
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Barrichello didn’t comply straight away, waiting until the last possible moment as they approached the chequered flag to ease off and let his teammate through. The appalled Austrian crowd booed as Schumacher was literally gifted victory in front of their eyes.
Ferrari were later fined £800,000 for what transpired that day. However, it wasn’t for the controversial team order, which technically fell within the rules, although the negative press they received was arguably more damaging.
The team was punished for what occurred during a cringe-worthy podium ceremony as Schumacher tried to make amends by shoving Barrichello onto the top step and even giving him the winner’s trophy. As they announced Ferrari’s sanction, the FIA’s World Motorsport Council said they “deployed” the team order, but couldn’t punish the team for that particular act.
However, they were able to fine Ferrari and both drivers £800,000 – half of which was suspended – for the botched podium ceremony. The FIA said: "It is the duty of each team to ensure that its contracted drivers observe the podium procedures and do not in any way embarrass the national authorities of the country where a grand prix takes place.
"The World Motor Sport Council held that Rubens Barrichello, Michael Schumacher and Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro were each guilty of failure to observe Article 170 of the Formula One Sporting Regulations.”
The controversy led to team orders being banned from the 2003 season. However, the rule proved almost impossible to enforce as teams were able to get around it by issuing coded messages to drivers. The FIA officially removed the regulation banning team orders from its rulebook back in 2010.
