Mercedes won't appeal Hamilton's qualifying exclusion

40

Mercedes has announced that it will not appeal the FIA Stewards' decision to exclude Lewis Hamilton from Friday's Sao Paulo GP qualifying session.

The Stewards at Interlagos rules on Saturday that Mercedes' rear wing and DRS element were in breach of Formula 1's technical regulations.

It was determined that the gap between the two rear wing lower and upper planes exceeded the authorized maximum 85mm clearance when DRS was open.

Hamilton was subsequently excluded from yesterday's qualifying results, which means that the Briton will line up last on today's Sprint race grid.

It puts the title contender on the back foot against fellow championship contender max Verstappen who will start todays 24-lap race from pole.

Read also: Hamilton excluded from Sao Paulo GP qualifying over DRS infringement!

Despite the high stakes, in a post on Twitter, Mercedes said that it would not appeal the Stewards' ruling.

The Brackley squad was entitled to appeal the decision, which would have protected Hamilton's P1 position on the grid.

But the move would have also potentially put in jeopardy Saturday and Sunday's results.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.