FIA Fines Mercedes - No Penalty for Tire Pressure Breach

Official : Mercedes F1 Escapes Sporting Penalty, Fined €5,000 per Car

04/11/2024

Mercedes F1 faced a fine but avoided a sporting penalty after tire pressure irregularities at the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.

The FIA has released its findings on the investigation into the two Mercedes F1 drivers at the São Paulo Grand Prix. The Brackley-based team was accused of altering tire pressures after the wheels were already mounted on the cars.

Team representatives were summoned to explain the non-compliance with the procedure, and the chaotic nature of the race protocol, combined with the day’s tight schedule, contributed to increased confusion in race preparation.

“After the race start was halted, a 10-minute notice was immediately issued for the restart. Given the track layout and the access point to the grid from the pit lane, the time needed for the team to reach the grid was extended,” wrote the FIA.

“The access gate to the grid was not opened immediately. The FIA acknowledged that, given this short timeframe, it was extremely difficult, if not impossible, for teams to adhere to the procedure outlined in the technical directive.”

This led the federation to view the situation as a mitigating circumstance: “In light of the unusual circumstances surrounding the compressed schedule, interrupted start, grid access logistics, and considering the technical delegate’s stipulation that tire pressures were within the correct parameters, the stewards determine that a fine for procedural infraction is appropriate in this case.”

“Normally, a violation of this nature during a competitive session would incur a sporting penalty, but such a measure is not suitable in this instance. However, this decision should not be viewed as a precedent for any similar infraction in the future, as these circumstances are considered unique.”

FIA Fines Mercedes – No Penalty for Tire Pressure Breach FIA Fines Mercedes – No Penalty for Tire Pressure Breach

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