FIA launches LATE investigation into George Russell’s Mercedes F1 at US Grand Prix

FIA launched a belated investigation Mercedes star of the US Grand Prix.

Both Mercedes drivers had terrible qualifying sessions on Saturday in Austin. Lewis Hamilton make a shock exit from the first quarter.

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Speaking after the session, the champion looked demoralized as he appeared to have already accepted defeat at the US Grand Prix and was instead looking ahead to Mexico.

The Briton also hinted that he might start of the US Grand Prix from the pit laneafter only winning 19th place in qualifying.

George Russell starts in the pit lane at the US Grand Prix

Hamilton wasn’t the only driver injured in Austin: George Russell crashed in the closing stages of Q3, which he denies Max Verstappen pole position, ending the session early.

However, just hours before the US Grand Prix, Russell found himself under investigation by FIA stewards.

According to the FIA, Mercedes did not cover its car two hours after the end of qualifying, but continued to work on the car, which does not comply with article 40.6 of the sporting regulations.

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The rule states: “Although vehicles are covered at night, they may be equipped with devices to keep them warm. In case of violation of this article, the participant will also be considered to have violated article 40.9. The driver concerned will be fined one fine for a combination of both offences.”

Article 40.9 further states that “the competitor may not modify any part of the vehicle or make changes to the suspension settings while the vehicle is parked.”

Russell would therefore receive a parc ferme penalty and would therefore start the race from the pit lane, which would move his teammate Hamilton up to 17th on the grid.

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