Hamilton Faces FIA Investigation Following Brazilian GP

Hamilton Faces FIA Investigation Following Brazilian GP Disqualification ……read more

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, has been placed under investigation by the FIA during the Brazilian Grand Prix, with both him and his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, facing scrutiny over potential violations regarding their tire pressures. This inquiry stems from actions taken during a chaotic start to the race at Interlagos.

An official statement from the FIA highlighted the issue, noting that adjustments were made to the tire pressures of cars 44 (Hamilton) and 63 (Russell) during the time between the aborted race start signals. The regulations state that teams cannot modify tire pressures with the wheels already fitted to the cars, a practice that contradicts the specific technical directive referenced in the FIA’s announcement.

The race itself was marred by confusion right from the start. During the formation lap, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll crashed into a trackside sign and subsequently became stuck in the gravel. This incident not only ended Stroll’s participation but also led to the cancellation of the race start. Following this, several teams, including Mercedes, were allowed back onto the grid to cover their cars but were prohibited from making any changes.

Despite the restrictions, the FIA’s investigation indicated that Mercedes released pressure from the tires while they were still attached to the cars, a clear violation of the rules. The technical directive in question, TD003 N, explicitly states that tire adjustments should only be made when the wheels are not bolted to the vehicle. This breach resulted in the FIA imposing a fine of €10,000 on Mercedes to account for the infractions committed by the team.

As the investigation unfolded, Hamilton was in P11 and Russell in P5 when the race was red-flagged, adding a layer of uncertainty to their competitive positions. The team’s actions during this unusual race scenario have sparked discussions about the implications for their results, with the possibility of further penalties pending the outcome of the FIA’s investigation.

The Brazilian GP was already shaping up to be a dramatic event, and this incident added another twist to the proceedings. The disqualification of Hamilton and Russell could significantly impact the championship standings and the dynamics of the ongoing season. With only a few races left, every point counts, and the potential loss of points from this race could prove critical.

Fans and analysts alike are keenly watching how the FIA will handle this situation, especially given the high stakes involved for both drivers and the Mercedes team. The race at Interlagos has always been known for its unpredictability, but the regulatory complications surrounding tire management during the formation laps have now overshadowed the sporting aspects of the event.

As the F1 community awaits the stewards’ decision, the implications of this incident could resonate beyond just the Brazilian GP. The Mercedes team, known for its competitive edge, will need to address these regulatory challenges carefully to avoid further complications in future races. Both Hamilton and Russell are experienced drivers who are accustomed to handling pressure, but this situation adds an unexpected layer to their performance.

In conclusion, the Brazilian Grand Prix has not only presented on-track drama but also raised significant regulatory questions for the Mercedes team. The FIA’s investigation into the tire pressure adjustments made by Hamilton and Russell is ongoing, and the outcome could have serious repercussions for the drivers and their championship aspirations. As fans and teams alike look forward to the next race, the fallout from this incident will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion in the motorsport world.