Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix for adjusting the tyre pressures on the cars of both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton before the start of the race.

The team was flagged for conducting "Tyre Pressure Checks" on the grid, a violation of an FIA technical directive.

Specifically, Mercedes was accused of adjusting the pressures while the tyres were still mounted on the team’s cars, which is against the regulations.

The transgression took place during the event’s restart procedure following an off on the formation lap suffered by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll whose stricken car had to be evacuated out of harm’s way.

“On the grid and when the race start was aborted, between the 10 minutes and the 5 minutes signal, on car numbers 63 and 44, the tyre pressures were adjusted (pressure released) with wheels already fitted to the car,” stated the report filed by FIA Technical Delegate Jo Bauer.

“As this is in contradiction to TD003 N, items 2. c) and 2. h) i., I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.”

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Following the race, an investigation by the stewards confirmed that Mercedes had indeed violated the specific technical directive.

Typically, such a technical breach would result in the team's exclusion from the race. However, considering the chaotic circumstances of the start procedure, the stewards opted for a less severe penalty. Instead, Mercedes was fined €5,000 for each car, totaling €10,000.

“After the race start was aborted the 10 minute notice was immediately given for the new start,” stated the stewards’ report.

“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 parametres (sic).

“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 parametres (sic), the Stewards determine that a fine for a breach of procedure is appropriate in this case.

“Normally a breach of this nature, within a competitive session would carry a sporting penalty but it is not appropriate in this case.”

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