Formula 2 Team Fined After Driver's Sister Violates Pit Lane Dress Code

Formula 2 team Prema was fined £428 after the sister of one of its drivers, Paulina Montoya, violated pit lane regulations by wearing a dress during a practice session at the Spanish Grand Prix. Paulina, the daughter of former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya and sister to F2 competitor Sebastian Montoya, was a guest of the Prema team in Madrid.

Regulations stipulate that all team and technical staff, including guests, must wear long trousers in the pit lane. Paulina, an influencer with over 40,000 Instagram followers, was seen wearing a white dress on Friday, which contravened this rule.

Prema's team representatives appealed to race officials, arguing that Paulina was a guest and therefore exempt. However, the stewards cited the FIA's International Sporting Code, which classifies all guests as 'participants.' The stewards also referenced Article 9.15 of the ISC, which holds competitors responsible for the actions of anyone granted access to reserved areas, and Article 22.15 of the Sporting Regulations, mandating long trousers for all personnel in the pit lane.

Paulina Montoya appeared to take the penalty in good humor, subsequently posting on Instagram about wearing 'Appropriate attire' the following day, opting for white trousers. On Sunday, she was seen in a floor-length dress again but maintained a greater distance from the cars.

Juan Pablo Montoya, Paulina's father, had a notable Formula 1 career, racing for Williams and McLaren between 2001 and 2006. He secured seven Grand Prix victories and finished third in the Drivers' Championship twice. He also competed in IndyCar and the NASCAR Cup Series.

His son, Sebastian Montoya, aged 21, is currently in his second season of F2 competition with Prema and is positioned 16th in the current standings.