FIA launch LATE George Russell Mercedes F1 investigation at US Grand Prix

George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Belgium, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

United States Grand Prix

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FIA launch LATE Mercedes investigation at US Grand Prix

Mercedes' nightmare US GP continues

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Sunday 20 October 2024 18:03 Updated: 23:30

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The FIA have launched a late investigation into a Mercedes star at the United States Grand Prix.

Both Mercedes drivers had a nightmare qualifying session on Saturday in Austin, with Lewis Hamilton making a shock Q1 exit.

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Article continues under video

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Speaking after the session, the champion appeared demoralised as he already seemed resigned to a US Grand Prix loss, and instead looked ahead to Mexico.

The Brit also hinted that he may start the US GP from the pitlane, after only securing P19 in qualifying.

Lewis Hamilton endured a nightmare qualifying session at COTA

George Russell set for pitlane start at US GP

Hamilton was not the only driver to suffer in Austin, with George Russell crashing in the closing stages of Q3, which denied Max Verstappen pole position by ending the session prematurely.

However, just hours before the US GP, Russell was placed under investigation by FIA stewards.

According to the FIA, Mercedes did not cover his car two hours after the end of qualifying but continued to work on the car, which is not in compliance with Article 40.6 of the sporting regulations.

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George Russell crashed out of Q3 in Austin

The rule states: “whilst cars are covered overnight, they may be fitted with devices to keep them warm. In the case of a breach of this Article, it will also be considered that the Competitor has breached Article 40.9. The relevant driver will be penalised by a single penalty for the combination of both offences."

Article 40.9 further states that “a competitor may not modify any part on the car or make changes to the set-up of the suspension whilst the car is being held under parc ferme conditions.”

Therefore Russell will receive a penalty for the parc ferme breach and he will therefore start the race from the pitlane, which sees team-mate Hamilton boosted up to P17 on the grid.

Red Bull Lewis Hamilton Mercedes McLaren FIA