The FIA ​​has revealed why Mercedes was fined in its verdict for procedural violation of an FIA technical directive during Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

Governing body fined Mercedes €5,000 each for the cars of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell after the team released tire pressure on both cars with the wheels already attached.

FIA reveals reason for Mercedes fines in Brazilian GP tire pressure verdict

Having been summoned to the sports commissioners, Mercedes were fined €5,000 per car for breach of article 30.5 a) of the Sporting Regulations, relating to TD003.

The cars were back on the grid after an aborted start on Sunday, following Lance Stroll’s trip into the gravel at Descida do Lago which meant he would not start the race.

Mechanics were allowed back on the grid for a brief period to keep their cars race-ready, but the FIA ​​admitted that given time constraints it was “extremely difficult, if not impossible”, for all involved to follow established procedures.

The FIA ​​revealed that Mercedes’ tire pressures on Hamilton and Russell’s cars were within the limits required by regulations, but the fact that the wheels were already attached to the car broke the rules – and a fine was their choice to punishment on this occasion, but it should not serve as a precedent for anything else of this nature in the future.

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“After the start of the race was interrupted, 10 minutes’ notice was immediately given for the new start,” the FIA ​​wrote in its verdict.

“Given the configuration of the circuit and the access point to the grid from the pit lane, the time required for the team to reach the grid has been extended.

“The network access door was not immediately opened. The FIA ​​acknowledged that given this short notice, it was extremely difficult, if not impossible, for teams to follow the procedure prescribed in the technical directive.

“The FIA ​​technical delegate stipulated that the tire pressure, although adjusted by the team, was within the permitted parameters.

“Taking into account the unusual circumstances related to the compressed schedule, the interrupted start, the logistics of access to the grid and taking into account the Technical Delegate’s stipulation that the tire pressure was within the correct parameters, the Stewards determine that A fine for breach of procedure is appropriate in this case.

“Normally, an infraction of this nature, during a competitive session, would result in a sporting penalty, but that is not appropriate in this case.

“However, this decision should not be considered a precedent for a similar violation in the future, as the circumstances are considered unique.”

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