Mercedes gets all-clear to run wheel rim design in Mexico

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The Mexican Grand Prix stewards have given their stamp of approval for Mercedes to run its controversial wheel rim design this weekend

The German outfit had received the green light from the FIA a week ago in Austin but chose to slightly alter the rim's design to avoid any official post-race complaints pending further clarification in Mexico.

Mercedes wheel rims to be discussed again in Mexico

Mercedes had introduced a system of holes in the rims that some argued constituted a 'movable aerodynamic device' similar to a 2012 Red Bull innovation that had been ruled illegal.

Once again however, the stewards deemed the design and assembly perfectly legal.

"Should Mercedes run the part as described in the correspondence between Mercedes and the FIA’s technical department, the stewards would consider this part to be in conformity with the regulations," read a ruling published on Thursday in Mexico City.

While Mercedes has been given the all-clear, it's uncertain whether the Silver Arrows squad will effectively rely on its novel rim design this weekend.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.