Manor faces FIA pressure to run both cars at Malaysian Grand Prix
After failing to participate in Australia, Manor is under explicit instruction from F1 authorities to field both cars in Malaysia or risk severe penalties.
Manor has been told by Formula One authorities that it must run both its cars at the Malaysian Grand Prix, following its failure to participate in the season opener in Australia. The team, which emerged from administration after operating as Marussia, was present in the Albert Park paddock but did not turn a wheel during the race weekend.
The FIA investigated Manor’s actions in Australia and concluded that the team had made 'all reasonable endeavours' to participate, given the late exit from administration and the technical challenges of preparing its cars. Despite this, Formula One Management and F1’s commercial chief Bernie Ecclestone expressed dissatisfaction, suggesting Manor’s primary motivation in Australia was to fulfil attendance obligations and secure 2014 prize money.
Ecclestone responded by indicating that Manor would be billed for the cost of its freight to Australia and that the missed race would be deducted from its prize money allocation. With the Malaysian Grand Prix approaching, both the FIA and F1’s commercial rights holders have made it clear that further non-participation will not be tolerated. According to reports in the Telegraph and Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, the governing body expects both Manor cars to appear on track in Malaysia, with no further excuses accepted.
Consequences for non-compliance in Malaysia
Should Manor fail to run its cars in Malaysia, the team now faces the prospect of additional financial penalties and the potential loss of further prize money. The FIA’s stance has hardened after the leniency shown in Australia, and the team has been left in no doubt that participation is mandatory. The situation has drawn attention to the pressures facing smaller teams in Formula One, particularly those emerging from financial difficulty.
