After Rewatching Old Races, FIA Stewards Summon the Ghost of Juan Manuel Fangio to Issue Missed Fines

Officials insist penalties must be applied retroactively for the integrity of the sport.

MONACO—The FIA, who's passion for rules transcend both time and death, announced this week that they have summoned the ghost of five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio to issue penalties missed during races from the 1950s.

“After reviewing extremely grainy footage, we discovered Fangio exceeded pit speed limits at Monaco in 1955,” said FIA spokesperson Pierre Dubois. “It is our duty to enforce consistency, even if it means going back in time to issue penalties to people long gone from the sport and completely inconsequential today.”

Witnesses claim Fangio’s ghost appeared in the steward’s office, still in full racing gear, chain-smoking while demanding to know what a “virtual safety car” was. “He looked furious,” said one steward. “We told him he was getting a fine. He told us to go to hell, then disappeared.”

Critics argue the move highlights how out of touch the FIA has become. “Instead of progressing for the future, they’re haunting the past,” said motorsport analyst Linda Meyers. “They have even considered fining the marshals for incorrect use of brooms.”

Drivers on the current grid were outraged. “So there’s basically no way to escape them now? They won’t leave us alone,” said four-time world champion Max Verstappen. “There’s still a good portion of the season left and I’ve already exceeded my fine budget. It’s ridiculous.”

Fans online quickly turned the incident into memes, with one post showing Fangio’s ectoplasmic hand holding up a black-and-white flag. “Imagine attending a séance by the FIA,” one user joked.

Still, the stewards defended their decision. “The rules are the rules,” Dubois said firmly. “Whether you are a rookie, a champion, or a spectral entity bound to this mortal plane, exceeding pit speeds will not be tolerated.”

Fangio’s ghost has reportedly refused to serve penalties or pay fines, insisting he will appeal “directly to Thanos."