Formula One's top drivers could face fines of up to one million euros ($106 million) for breaches of the 'sporting code' after ruling body the International Motoring Federation (FIA) quadrupled the limit on Thursday.
Race stewards, who work independently from the FIA at race meetings, were given much greater powers of sanction, following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) in Geneva.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the previous limit of 250,000 euros "did not reflect the current needs of motorsport".
In a statement, the FIA said: "The ISC (International Sporting Code) had previously determined that the maximum fine amount that the stewards can impose is 250,000 euros.
"This amount has not been reviewed or amended for at least the last 12 years and does not reflect the current needs of motor sport."
The maximum fine in all other FIA world championships was set at 750,000 euros.
In other decisions, the WMSC said it was banning fireworks at all race meetings.
Flares have been set off, creating smoke that has drifted across the circuit at some events while spectators at the 2022 Dutch Grand Prix threw fireworks on to the circuit.
"The world council therefore approved new provision and definition in the ISC prohibiting the unauthorised possession and use of pyrotechnics at FIA competitions," the statement said.
The decisions follow increasing concerns following recent events including the Qatar Grand Prix where seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton ran across a 'live' track after he had crashed.
He was fined 50,000 euros with 25,000 suspended. The FIA said it was reviewing that decision, bearing in mind Hamilton's status as a role model for the sport.
Hamilton criticises poor communications
Lewis Hamilton on Thursday criticised the FIA for poor communication in the wake of his track-crossing incident in Qatar and added that he had learned his lesson and was "moving forwards".
The seven-time champion said he did not feel he was singled out for his breach of the rules when he crossed a 'live' track following his collision with Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
He was fined 50,000 euros, 25,000 of that suspended for the rest of the season, and reprimanded after he apologised to the race stewards who, this weekend in Texas.
"I don't think I was singled out. It was poor communication," he said. "I don't think what they said is what they meant.
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