The Brazilian Grand Prix unfolded in a dramatic fashion, filled with incidents that sparked numerous discussions and investigations. A significant point of contention has emerged regarding both Mercedes drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who are now under scrutiny from the stewards for making unauthorized adjustments to their tire pressures. This issue arose during the chaotic lead-up to the race, which saw a delayed start due to an incident involving Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, who became stranded in the gravel during the formation lap.
The race was initially aborted after Stroll’s mishap, prompting a complicated situation as drivers navigated the uncertainty. Notably, Lando Norris, Yuki Tsunoda, George Russell, and Liam Lawson chose to undertake an additional formation lap, disregarding the proper protocol following the aborted start. This disregard for procedure has led to further investigations post-race, underscoring the confusion and chaos that characterized the event.
The official timeline revealed that the race start was delayed by an additional ten minutes, during which time both Mercedes drivers reportedly adjusted their tire pressures. According to FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer, these adjustments occurred in the critical window between the ten-minute signal and the five-minute signal before the race’s resumption. Such actions raised red flags, particularly since they appeared to violate established regulations.
In his official referral to the stewards, Bauer highlighted that tire pressure adjustments were made while the tires remained fitted to the cars, a direct violation of Technical Directive TD003 N, which outlines permissible tire practices. This directive aims to maintain fairness and safety in the competition by regulating technical adjustments teams can make, especially in moments of uncertainty like those witnessed during the Brazilian GP.
The situation illustrates the complexities and pressures of Formula 1 racing, particularly during chaotic events such as the Brazilian Grand Prix. The investigations into both Mercedes drivers and the actions of other racers highlight the ongoing challenges of ensuring compliance with FIA regulations, especially when teams seek to optimize performance in high-stakes environments. As the situation unfolds, the motorsport community awaits the stewards’ decisions, which could have significant implications for the teams involved.