Mercedes fined over Brazilian GP tyre pressure rule breach

Mercedes has been handed two separate 5000 Euro fines for breaching Formula 1’s regulations regarding the adjustment of tyre pressures on the grid.

The German manufacturer had been summoned to see the stewards after the Brazilian Grand Prix for allegedly having lowered the pressure of the tyres on Lewis Hamilton and George Russell’s cars, after their wheels were fitted following the early aborted start.

This is a breach of a Technical Directive that has been issued to teams and states that tyre pressures can only be changed when wheels are off cars.

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Normally such technical infringements trigger automatic disqualifications but, after listening to the team's explanation, the FIA stewards elected to hand down a sanction of 5000 Euros for each car.

This is because Mercedes successfully argued that the difficult circumstances of the event, where access to the grid is more limited than at other venues, meant it was impossible for the squad to have changed pressures before the wheels had to be fitted.

A statement issued by the FIA said: “After the race start was aborted, the 10-minute notice was immediately given for the new start.

“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.”

With Mercedes having adjusted the pressure in line with what is allowed by the regulations, the FIA was confident that the changes had not been made to gain an unfair advantage.

Its statement added: “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.

George Russell, Mercedes F1 W15, Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38

Photo by: Lubomir Asenov / Motorsport Images

“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.”

The stewards decision means that Russell keeps his fourth-place finish, while Hamilton secures his 10th spot.