Mercedes fined €10,000 total for Brazil GP technical infringement
3rd November 2024Mercedes have been fined €10,000 for two technical infringements during the aborted start of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, involving Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Feature image credit: Mercedes F1
Mercedes has been fined two separate technical infringements concerning their drivers Hamilton and Russell which followed the aborted start after Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll beached his car in the turn four gravel trap.
After the drivers had completed a second formation lap, when they should’ve stayed on the grid, the mechanics were quickly on scene having been given a new 10-minute warning for the new restart time.
During this period, the Mercedes mechanics worked on their respective cars having been given an extended time to get to the grid, despite issues with the gate access to the track.
However, the team were found to be in breach of Article 30.5 a) of the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, in relation to TD003.
The team representative of Hamilton and Russell was summoned to the stewards where they heard from them, the FIA Technical Delegate – and a member of their team – and the FIA Single Seater Director.
“After the race start was aborted the 10-minute notice was immediately given for the new start,” The Stewards explained. “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.”
An intense race out there. George had a strong first stint in the lead, but got stuck behind slower cars after the red flag
Lewis battled with a tricky car but fought hard to score the final point. Lots to debrief and we’ll be looking to fight back at the next triple-header pic.twitter.com/hhG3BRtXPF
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) November 3, 2024
Despite the technical infringement, the stewards deemed the 5,000 fine, per car, was the appropriate punishment for the breach.
It was believed the breach occurred as a result of the unusual circumstances of the compressed timetable and considering the fact the tyre pressures remained within the correct parameters.
The stewards confirmed a sporting penalty would’ve been the usual punishment but they believed it would not be appropriate in this case. They said:
“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.
“Normally a breach of this nature, within a competitive session would carry a sporting penalty but it is not appropriate in this case. However, this decision should not be considered as a precedent for any similar breach in the future as the circumstances are considered unique.”
Read more Formula 1 here:
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- Sainz to start from pit lane for Brazil GP after qualifying crash
- Lando Norris takes pole in five-car crash Brazil GP qualifying
- FIA provide update after postponement of Brazil GP qualifying
- Hamilton jokes they need ‘better wet tyres’ to F1 President
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Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.
I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
Kamron Kent
Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
