In a dramatic fall from grace, a former Formula 1 racing driver has been slapped with a driving ban after being caught tearing through a 40mph zone at a staggering 96mph. The ex-motorsport professional, who once competed at the highest level of racing, now faces the embarrassment of being banned from Britain's roads.
From Racing Circuits to Courtroom Drama
The incident occurred on the A40 in Acton, west London, where the former F1 star's high-speed antics were captured by police cameras. Magistrates at Lavender Hill court took a dim view of the offence, imposing a 28-day driving prohibition and ordering the driver to pay £1,107 in fines and costs.
This isn't the first time the racing veteran has found themselves in hot water over motoring offences. The court heard how the driver already had three penalty points on their licence from a previous speeding incident in Wales last year.
A Pattern of Problematic Driving
Despite their professional racing background, the driver failed to provide a compelling defence for their excessive speed. The magistrates' decision reflects growing concern about high-profile drivers setting poor examples on public roads.
The sentence includes:
- 28-day driving ban
- £807 fine
- £300 in costs and surcharges
- Three additional penalty points
This case highlights the stark difference between controlled racing environments and public highway safety. While Formula 1 circuits are designed for extreme speeds, Britain's roads demand responsible driving from all motorists - regardless of their racing pedigree.
