Mercedes Referred to F1 Stewards for Las Vegas Set-Up Sheet Infringement
Mercedes faces an FIA stewards' investigation after allegedly failing to submit suspension set-up sheets for both cars before Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying, a direct violation of F1 sporting regulations. This comes as Kimi Antonelli had a disappointing Q1 exit, adding pressure to the team's weekend. Williams also faces scrutiny for a tire-related procedural breach.
Mercedes has been cited by the FIA technical delegate for allegedly failing to submit suspension set-up sheets for both of its cars prior to qualifying in Las Vegas. This procedural breach, if confirmed, could result in a penalty for the Silver Arrows during a crucial race weekend.
Why it matters:
Procedural infringements, even seemingly minor ones, can have significant implications in Formula 1. The FIA's stringent regulations are designed to ensure fair play and prevent any team from gaining an undue advantage, emphasizing the importance of meticulous compliance. For Mercedes, this issue adds to a challenging qualifying session where Kimi Antonelli failed to advance past Q1.
The details:
- FIA Technical Delegate's Report: Jo Bauer, the FIA technical delegate, referred Mercedes to the stewards after the team reportedly failed to provide the necessary suspension set-up sheets for both cars before they exited the pit lane for their first runs in the qualifying session.
- Sporting Regulations: Article 40.1 of the F1 sporting regulations explicitly states: "each competitor must provide the Technical Delegate with a suspension set-up sheet for both of their cars before each of them leaves the pit lane for the first time during the sprint qualifying session and the qualifying session."
- Stewards' Review: The matter is now in the hands of the stewards, who will investigate the alleged infringement and determine if a penalty is warranted. Penalties for such breaches can range from fines to grid penalties.
- Williams' Infringement: In a separate but similar incident, Williams was also referred to the stewards by Jo Bauer for failing to electronically return a required set of intermediate tires after Free Practice 3, a breach of Article 30.4 of the sporting regulations.
What's next:
The stewards will review the evidence and hear from Mercedes representatives before issuing a ruling. Potential penalties could impact the team's starting positions for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, further complicating their race weekend. Both Mercedes and Williams await the stewards' decisions regarding their respective alleged procedural breaches.