After the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Mercedes has been summoned to the stewards for an alleged Sporting Regulations infringement.
During the red flag period at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the FIA issued a statement saying that Mercedes is being suspected of adjusting tyre pressures on Lewis Hamilton and George Russell‘s cars after the tyres have already been fitted.
“On the grid and when the race start was aborted, between the 10 minutes and the 5 minutes signal, on car numbers 63 and 44, the tyre pressures were adjusted (pressure released) with wheels already fitted to the car,” a statement from the FIA read.
“As this is in contradiction to TD003 N, items 2. c) and 2. h) i., I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration,” the statement concluded.
Following the race the stewards have said that Mercedes representatives have been called.
Tyre pressures were adjusted (pressure released) with wheels already fitted to the car, in alleged violation of Article 30.5 a) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations and in contravention of technical directive TD003 N, 2. The stewards pointed out that “The following changes were made: c) and 2. h).
Tyres can be changed during a red flag period but the rules do not permit the teams to adjust the tyre pressures once the tyres are on the car.