Why was Mercedes fined for tire pressure violations during the Brazilian GP?

The FIA ​​has revealed why Mercedes was fined in its verdict for a procedural breach of an FIA technical directive at Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

The governing body fined Mercedes €5,000 each for both Lewis Hamilton’s and George Russell’s cars after the team released the tire pressure on both cars while the wheels were already attached to them.

FIA reveals reason for penalties against Mercedes in tire pressure verdict at Brazilian GP

Called to the stewards, Mercedes were fined €5,000 per car for violating Article 30.5 a) of the Sporting Regulations relating to TD003.

The cars were back on the grid after an abandoned start on Sunday after Lance Stroll hit the gravel at Descida do Lago, meaning he would not start the race.

Mechanics were allowed to return to the grid for a short time to prepare their cars for racing, but the FIA ​​admitted that, given the time constraints, following the prescribed procedures was “extremely difficult, if not impossible” for everyone involved in the race.

The FIA ​​revealed that the Mercedes tire pressures on Hamilton and Russell’s cars were within the required limits under the regulations, but the fact that the wheels were already fitted to the car constituted a breach of the regulations – and in this case the penalty was a fine, but it should not have been set a precedent for anything else of its kind in the future.

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“Following the interruption of the start of the race, 10 minutes’ notice was immediately given for a new start,” the FIA ​​wrote in its verdict.

“Given the track layout and the access point to the grid from the pit lane, the time it took for the team to reach the grid was increased.

“The gateway to the network was not opened immediately. The FIA ​​admitted that, given such a short time, it was extremely difficult, if not impossible, for teams to follow the procedure set out in the technical directive.

“The FIA ​​technical delegate stated that the tire pressure after adjustment by the team was within the permitted parameters.

“Taking into account the unusual circumstances related to the compressed timetable, aborted take-off, network access logistics and taking into account the Technical Delegate’s reservation that the tire pressures were within the correct parameters, the Stewards determine that a penalty for breach of procedure is appropriate in this case .

“Normally an infringement of this nature during a competition session would result in a sports penalty, but that is not appropriate in this case.

“However, this decision should not be considered a precedent for any similar violations in the future as the circumstances are considered exceptional.”

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