British GP: F1 stewards report Mercedes for covering Rosberg's car

Rosberg was forced to pull his W06 off the Silverstone circuit early in the 90-minute session due to a hydraulics problem.

Upon its return to the pits, and as television cameras moved in, mechanics from the team covered up certain areas of the car, which is against the regulations.

Article 27.4 of the F1 rules reads: "During the entire event, no screen, cover or other obstruction which in any way obscures any part of a car will be allowed at any time in the paddock, garages, pitlane or grid, unless it is clear any such covers are needed solely for mechanical reasons, which could, for example, include protecting against fire."

Technical delegate Jo Bauer has reported Mercedes to the stewards.

A report from Bauer read: "During P1 at 10.28 members of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team covered the underside, rear diffuser area and the front wing of car #06 when it was brought back to the paddock after it stopped on the circuit due to a mechanical problem.

"As the car hasn't suffered any kind of accident damage, this in my opinion is a breach of article 27.4 of the 2015 Formula 1 sporting regulations, and I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration."

Rosberg later rejoined the session and set the fastest time.