Mercedes adjusted the tire pressures before the race in Brazil when the tires were on the car: This is prohibited, but the commissioners showed mercy.
Mercedes got off lightly in the Brazilian Formula One race. An investigation was launched into George Russell and Lewis Hamilton’s cars shortly after the start because Mercedes allegedly changed the tire pressures without permission after the tires were already on the car.
This is a violation of Technical Directive TD003, which states that teams may only change tire pressures when the tires are not on the car. According to the commissioners, however, Mercedes is said to have released pressure from the tires and was fined 5,000 euros per car for doing so – a total of 10,000 euros.
Normally, such technical infringements would result in an automatic disqualification, but after hearing the team’s explanation, the stewards opted for a fine of €5,000 for each car.
Mercedes successfully argued that due to the difficult circumstances of the event, where access to the grid is more restricted than at other events, it was not possible for the team to change the air pressure before the wheels had to be fitted.
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
After the first start was aborted, the FIA gave a ten-minute signal for the restart. It states: “Due to the routing and access to the grid from the pit lane, the time during which the teams could access the grid was longer. The gate for access to the grid was not opened immediately.”
“The FIA accepted that it was extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the teams to comply with the procedure prescribed in the Technical Regulations, given the short time frame.”
The commissioners also note that Mercedes adjusted the pressures within the permitted range.
“In view of the unusual circumstances of the compressed schedule, the aborted start, the access logistics to the grid and the Technical Delegate’s determination that the tire pressures were within the correct parameters, the stewards consider a fine for violating the procedure to be appropriate in this case.”
“Normally, a violation of this kind would result in a sporting penalty within a session, but in this case it is not appropriate,” the FIA announced.
But at the same time, it also emphasized: “However, this decision should not be seen as a precedent for similar violations in the future, as the circumstances are considered unique.”
Russell and Hamilton will therefore keep their positions from Sao Paulo: Russell finished fourth, Hamilton tenth.