Mercedes receives a fine from the FIA for having modified the tire pressure before the race
Ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Mercedes mechanics adjusted the drivers' tire pressures while the tires were already mounted. The FIA sanctioned this action with a fine of €5,000 per car for mitigating circumstances. Normally, the cars would have been disqualified.
More mitigating circumstances in the sanctions imposed by the FIA this Sunday after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. While the start of the Grand Prix was aborted due to Lance Stroll, track marshals found that Mercedes had adjusted the pressure of their cars, directly on the car. This constitutes a violation of article 30.5 of the sporting regulations but given the circumstances, a simple fine was given to the German team.
« After the cancellation of the race start, a 10-minute notice was immediately given for the new start. Considering the layout of the circuit and the access point to the grid from the pit lane, the allocated time for the team to reach the grid was extended. However, the gate allowing access to the grid was not opened immediately. The FIA acknowledged that with such short notice, it was extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the teams to follow the procedure prescribed in the technical directive. » explains the FIA statement.
The stewards therefore considered that, given the circumstances, a sporting penalty could not be given. The team is therefore penalized with a financial fine of €5,000 per single-seater, totaling €10,000.
The FIA technical delegate specified that although the tyre pressures had been adjusted by the team, they complied with the authorized parameters. In view of the unusual circumstances surrounding the compressed calendar, the cancellation of the start, the logistics of accessing the grid and the confirmation by the technical delegate that the tyre pressures were within the required standards, the stewards considered that a fine for the breach of the procedure was appropriate in this case. Normally, a breach of this kind, during a competitive session, would result in a sporting penalty, but it was not deemed appropriate in this situation. However, this decision should not be considered as a precedent for any similar breach in the future, as the circumstances are considered unique here.
Note that George Russell finished 4th in the Grand Prix and could have been disqualified by the FIA under normal circumstances twice this Sunday. First, at the aborted start, where he encouraged all drivers to do an extra formation lap alongside Lando Norris, and another time for the tire pressure adjustment issue directly on his car. History will only remember the 12 points he scored this Sunday.
