Russell Ingall has been fined $15,000 for his scathing verbal attack on V8 Supercars officials.

The veteran racer had already apologised for his post-race outburst against officials who penalised him in Saturday’s first race at Winton, but was handed the fine, $10,000 of which is suspended until the end of the year, late on Monday.

Ingall, known as The Enforcer, had been responding to a mid-race drive-through penalty that cost him several positions.

He called the officials “peanuts” and suggested fans would “kick the s*** out” of them over their decision if they got the chance.

V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton said drivers were welcome to express their views without using language that could be interpreted as a direct criticism of race officials.

“Drivers are without question invited to express their opinion and show emotion, passion is the very essence of any sport,” Warburton said.

“It is not our intent to suppress comment but encourage it. There have been many instances of it so far this season when drivers and teams have openly expressed their views to the media.

“In this circumstance, however, the comments were found to have included direct threats towards officials, which in any sport is unacceptable.”

Ingall and his team accepted the penalty, which was finalised by Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS) stewards.

Ingall will write to the officials to formally apologise for his comments.

Ingall, who had superior speed to most of the field thanks to changing his tyres, had zoomed into a podium position from the back of the field.

But after being served his punishment for bumping David Wall in a passing move, Ingall lost a dozen race positions and finished 10th.