Driver's Sister's Short Dress Leads to €500 Fine for Montoya (Photos)

Formula 2 driver Sebastian Montoya has been fined €500 after his sister, Paulina, was spotted in the pit lane wearing a short dress, a violation of FIA sporting regulations during the Spanish Grand Prix.

The incident occurred after Friday's qualifying session in Madrid, which saw the Prema Racing driver fail to finish. FIA stewards issued the penalty after a guest, later identified as Paulina Montoya, was seen in the restricted working area near the driver's car without long trousers.

Paulina, who was supporting her 21-year-old brother, wore a short white dress. On social media, she celebrated her 20th birthday with the caption "Goodbye adolescence #20," prompting fans to question in the comments: "Who's paying the fine?"

The sanction is based on Article 22.15 of the FIA F2 Sporting Regulations, which mandates that all technical and team personnel must wear long trousers in the pit lane during practice sessions and races. While Prema Racing argued that Paulina was merely a guest and not a team member, the rules hold competitors responsible for the actions of anyone they permit access to restricted areas.

In a statement, the FIA confirmed the infraction after reviewing video evidence.

"The team representative explained that the lady wearing shorts was a guest of the team and not an operational staff member. The Race Director reminded all Competitors in the Competitors' Notes in Madrid (Art. 11.1) that guests are included in the category defined in Article 20 of the ISC. Additionally, Article 9.15 of the ISC states that the competitor is responsible for all acts or omissions by any person to whom the competitor has given access to the restricted area," the statement read.

"Furthermore, Article 22.15 of the Sporting Regulations stipulates that all team and technical personnel must wear long trousers in the pit lane during all practice sessions and races. Having considered the matter extensively, the Stewards determined that a member of Car 11's team near the car was not wearing long trousers during the session and therefore decided to fine the team €500."

The qualifying session was marred by several incidents, including three red flags, one of which involved Montoya. The driver ended up without a classified position in the final order after recording a lap of 2:14.210. Dino Beganovic secured pole position for the main race, with Alex Dunne and Rafael Camara completing the front row of the grid.