FINE WITH THAT
Lewis Hamilton could be hit with FINE for snubbing FIA gala amid row with F1 chiefs over Verstappen title controversy
LEWIS HAMILTON could be slapped with a fine for snubbing the FIA's gala in Paris.
Hamilton's Mercedes team have until 7pm on Thursday to decide if they will continue to pursue legal action after he was denied victory in the Abu Dhabi GP.
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Merc failed with two protests after Max Verstappen won at the Yas Marina, which handed the Dutchman the title, but announced their intention to appeal.
That right expires on Thursdsay evening with the team staying silent on the matter as they assess their options.
However, F1's sporting regulations state the drivers who finish in the top three of the championship must attend the prize giving ceremony.
Article 6.6 says: "The drivers finishing first, second and third in the Championship must be present at the annual FIA Prize Giving ceremony.
"Last night Merc were unable to confirm or deny Hamilton's attendance at the end of season showpiece.
If he, or indeed team-mate Valtteri Bottas misses it, it could trigger a fine or other sanction with the FIA themselves unsure what punishment would apply given the unique situation.
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Verstappen won his first world crown on the final lap of the season in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton's team were furious that FIA race director Michael Masi fudged the rules to create a single lap showdown in the winner-takes-all-contest.
The Brit was a sitting duck on old tyres as Verstappen screamed past following a safety car period where Masi allowed five cars to get out of the way.
Both Hamilton and Merc felt the result was manipulated resulting in Verstappen winning the title in front of a huge TV audience.
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