Mercedes drops plan to appeal Nico Rosberg's British GP penalty

Under the regulations Mercedes lodged its intention to appeal within one hour of the stewards giving Rosberg a 10-second post-race penalty that dropped him from second behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton to third behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Following a day of deliberation Mercedes has now decided to accept the stewards' decision and penalty.

But it has made clear in a statement that it deems the current radio rules to be draconian, and is planning on discussions with all in F1 in a bid to seek changes.

The statement read: "The Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 team today decided to withdraw its notice of intention to appeal against the decision of the stewards of the British Grand Prix.

"We were able to prove to the stewards that a car-stopping gearbox failure was imminent and, as such, were permitted within the rules to advise Nico of the required engine mode.

"However, the advice to avoid seventh gear was considered to breach TD/06-16, and therefore article 27.1 of the sporting regulations.

"The team accepts the stewards' interpretation of the regulation, their decision and the associated penalty.

"During the coming weeks, we will continue discussions with the relevant F1 stakeholders on the subject of the perceived over-regulation of the sport."

The article in question states the driver shall drive the car 'alone and unaided'.

Mercedes highlighted point number two of the technical directive as its reason for the message exchange with Rosberg late in the race.

That permits radio messages that are an "indication of a critical problem with the car" and that "any message of this sort may only be used if failure of a component or system is imminent and potentially terminal".

With no appeal pending, the race classification stands, meaning Rosberg's lead over Hamilton in the drivers' standings is just one point after 10 races.

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