The FIA has revealed why Mercedes were fined in their
verdict for a procedural breach of an FIA Technical Directive at the Brazilian
Grand Prix on Sunday.
The
governing body handed Mercedes a €5,000 fine each for both Lewis
Hamilton and George Russell’s cars after the team released pressure from the
tyres of both cars, when wheels were already attached to them.
FIA reveal reason for Mercedes fines in Brazilian GP tyre
pressure verdict
Having been summoned to the stewards, Mercedes were
fined €5000 for each car for contravening Article 30.5 a) of the Sporting
Regulations, relating to TD003.
The cars were back on the grid after an aborted start on
Sunday, following Lance Stroll’s trip into the gravel at Descida do Lago that
meant he would not start the race.
Mechanics were allowed back onto the grid for a brief
period to keep their cars prepared for racing, but the FIA accepted that given
the time constraints involved it was “extremely difficult if not impossible”
for all involved to follow the procedures set out.
The FIA revealed Mercedes’ tyre pressures on Hamilton and
Russell’s cars were within the required limits as per the regulations, but the
fact the wheels were already attached to the car breached the rules – and a
fine was their choice of punishment on this occasion, but it should not act as
precedent for anything else of this nature in future.
“After the race start was aborted the 10 minute notice was
immediately given for the new start,” the FIA wrote in its verdict.
“Given the layout of the circuit and the access point to the
grid from the pit lane the time period for the team to get to the grid was
extended.
“The gate to access the grid was not immediately opened. The
FIA accepted that given this short notice it was extremely difficult if not
impossible for the teams to follow the procedure prescribed in the technical
directive.
“The FIA Technical Delegate stipulated that the tyre
pressures while having been adjusted by the team was within the allowed
parameters.
“Given the unusual circumstances surrounding the compressed time table, aborted start, the grid access logistics and given the stipulation from the Technical Delegate that the tyre pressures were within the correct parameters, the Stewards determine that a fine for a breach of procedure is appropriate in this case.
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