Mercedes Duo Faces Scrutiny Amid Confusion at Chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix Start
Lewis Hamilton and teammate George Russell are under investigation by the FIA at the Brazilian Grand Prix for possible rule violations involving tyre pressures. Both Mercedes drivers are being scrutinized over potential adjustments made to their tyre pressures during a red-flagged start, raising questions about a procedural misstep that could have serious implications for the race.
The controversy began after an aborted race start at Interlagos, triggered by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll crashing on the formation lap and getting stranded in the gravel. The incident forced a delayed start and prompted confusion, with multiple cars conducting an additional formation lap and then returning to the grid, only to be red-flagged.
According to an FIA statement, “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.” The FIA noted that this action appears to contradict specific sections of technical directive TD003 N, particularly items that restrict any tyre pressure adjustments while wheels are attached to the vehicle.
In normal circumstances, teams are permitted to adjust tyre pressures only when the wheels are detached. However, with Hamilton in P11 and Russell in P5 under the red flag, Mercedes now faces scrutiny over whether they breached this rule by releasing pressure after the initial start was abandoned.
The issue underscores the unusual start to the Brazilian GP, which saw both cars temporarily back on the grid with teams allowed to shield them from rain but not modify the vehicles. While teams typically handle tyre pressures to optimize performance based on track conditions, the regulations are clear about when these adjustments can be made.
The outcome of the FIA’s investigation remains pending, leaving Hamilton, Russell, and Mercedes fans on edge. Any sanctions could impact both drivers’ positions, potentially reshaping the final outcome of an already chaotic Brazilian GP.
