Sakhir Grand Prix – George Russell maintains his 9th place

Leading the Sakhir Grand Prix, George Russell’s hopes of victory were dashed on the 61st lap due to a wrong set of tires fitted on the W11 number 63.

Indeed, as the safety car entered the track, the world champion team made the decision to stop both of its cars, which were first and second in the race. However, in the panic, the wrong front tires were fitted on the Briton’s Mercedes. These were intended for his teammate over the weekend, Valtteri Bottas.

Then placed under investigation by the stewards, George Russell ultimately retained his position at the end of the Grand Prix and thus the points for 9th place. A rather lenient decision for the Mercedes driver, who was at risk of disqualification.

In the end, given the events and the unprecedented nature of the situation, a fine of $20,000 will be imposed on the German team. The stewards indeed considered that the second stop made on car number 63, to correct the tire error, had largely punished George Russell on its own.

The #63 car received the front tires that were allocated to the #77 car. This was caused by a technical issue with the radio communication, where the message from the pit wall to the pit stop team indicating that the #63 car was entering the pit before (not after) car #77 was not received by the #63 car’s team because, at the same time, the driver of the #63 car transmitted over this message.

This led to the installation of the front tires from car #77 onto car #63 (the cars were stopping at the same time). This clearly constitutes a breach of the regulations and would normally involve a sporting penalty up to disqualification. However, in this case, there are mitigating circumstances, in addition to the radio issue mentioned above.

Firstly, the team rectified the problem in one lap. This meant that car #63 had to make another stop, losing positions in the standings.

Secondly, car #77 made a stop to change tires before discovering that the front tires that were supposed to be installed were on car #63, and was therefore sent back after a considerable delay, with the tires that were on car #77 before the stop. This also impacted the final ranking of car #77.

Thirdly, even if this type of infraction is not covered by the ‘three-lap tolerance’ referred to in the second paragraph of Article 24.4 b) (which currently only relates to the use of tires of different specifications), we consider that it is of a similar nature.

However, the responsibility to fit tires in compliance with the regulations always falls on each team and thus it is considered that a penalty should be imposed. It is recommended that the FIA consider amending Article 24.4 b) to account for this type of infraction when it is rectified without delay. It is noted that this type of infraction has never been encountered before in Formula 1.

The two points from the ninth place added to the one for the fastest lap in the race will be a very small reward and compensation for the enormous disappointment of the Briton, who dreamed of claiming his first victory.