Jean Todt has defended the decision to slap Lewis Hamilton with a hefty fine after the seven time world champion undid his seatbelts whilst driving in Brazil. Many hit out at the FIA’s strictness, especially when top drivers are celebrating key moments in a battle as thrilling as the 2021 championship. “As president of the FIA, it would be wrong to criticise the stewards that we invite,” he told the French broadcaster Canal Plus. “But we must not forget that Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are role models for millions of young people. “So if we forgive Hamilton for that, then the young driver in Formula 4 or Formula 3 or elsewhere will not understand when they are punished for violations while Lewis is not. “Formula 1 drivers should be an example to young people,” the 75-year-old, who will hand over to a new FIA president next month, insisted.

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