A bold team order call from Ferrari marked one of the most controversial moments in F1 history.
The 2002 Austrian Grand Prix, which took place 24 years ago today, is remembered as one of the most controversial moments in F1 history due to Ferrari’s team orders that turned a potential one-two finish into a public relations nightmare, leading to a decade-long ban by the FIA.
Rubens Barrichello had secured pole position, outqualifying Ralf Schumacher by three-tenths of a second, while Michael Schumacher started third on the grid.
Barrichello maintained a comfortable lead throughout the race, but Ferrari controversially instructed him to let Schumacher pass in the closing laps, following a pre-race agreement.
The decision was met with criticism, as Schumacher was already dominating the season standings, creating confusion around the team’s motives.
Despite the awkward switch on the final lap, with Barrichello slowing down for Schumacher to take the win, the crowd reacted with disapproval, leading to a symbolic podium moment where Schumacher handed the winner’s trophy to Barrichello.
Ferrari, Schumacher, and Barrichello were fined a total of €1 million for breaching podium protocol, sparking further outrage and ultimately resulting in the FIA banning team orders interfering with race results beginning in October 2002 until 2011.
Ironically, the unnecessary team orders did not impact Schumacher’s dominant season, as he went on to clinch his fifth F1 title in 2002, finishing well ahead of Barrichello in the championship standings.
