Mercedes Faces Potential DSQ in Las Vegas GP F1 Qualifying

Mercedes could face severe penalties, including disqualification, after failing to submit mandatory set-up sheets for both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli's cars during Las Vegas Grand Prix Formula 1 qualifying. The team's breach of Article 40.1 of the sporting regulations has drawn the attention of the stewards, who will determine the appropriate punishment.

Why it matters:

Mercedes' administrative oversight puts them at risk of a significant setback in a crucial qualifying session. A disqualification or grid penalty would severely hamper their race prospects, particularly as they fight for constructor standings and individual driver positions in a highly competitive F1 season. This incident highlights the strict adherence required to F1's technical and sporting regulations, even for top teams.

The details:

• F1 technical delegate Jo Bauer referred Mercedes to the stewards for not submitting the set-up sheets for both cars 12 minutes into the qualifying session.
• By this time, both drivers – Kimi Antonelli and George Russell – had already left the pitlane and were on track.
• Breach of Article 40.1: This regulation explicitly states that "each competitor must provide the technical delegate with a suspension set-up sheet for both of their cars before each of them leaves the pitlane for the first time during the sprint qualifying session and the qualifying session."
• The set-up sheets are crucial because cars enter parc ferme conditions once they take to the track in qualifying, locking in most set-up parameters with only minor adjustments (like front wing flap) permitted afterward.
• The regulations do not specify a fixed penalty, leaving stewards a range of options: a reprimand, a fine, grid penalties, or even exclusion from qualifying.

Between the lines:

Such infringements are uncommon because submitting these sheets is a standard, integrated part of team procedures. A similar incident occurred in 2016 when Williams received an official reprimand for incomplete set-up information before qualifying at the Australian GP. However, the circumstances were different: Williams's issue stemmed from an internal system change, which stewards acknowledged as a 'reasonable effort' despite the failure.

What's next:

• The FIA stewards, including former F1 driver Vitantonio Liuzzi, will review the case and decide on any penalty.
• The decision will be crucial for Mercedes' starting positions in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, potentially impacting their overall weekend performance and championship fight. The severity of the penalty will depend on the stewards' interpretation of the circumstances, contrasting with past precedents.