The torrential rain continued with the Grand Prix set to get underway, but stewards were then forced to abort the start after Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll went onto the gravel on the formation lap. In the frenzy that followed, Lando Norris, Yuki Tsunoda, Russell, and Liam Lawson all begun an additional formation lap before being given permission to do so.
It caused a 10-minute delay to the start, and during that period, both Hamilton and Russell again underwent tyre pressure adjustments. The issue was reported to FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer, who reported the incident.
“As this is in contradiction to TD003 N, items 2. c) and 2. h) i., I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration,” he said. Bauer also confirmed that it was his interpretation that the tyre pressure was released while the wheels were fitted to the car.
But the FIA have now confirmed that while the Silver Arrows will receive two separate fines of just over £4,000 for the breaches, the two drivers will keep their race positions.
Explaining the decision, the FIA admitted Toto Wolff’s team had been given special dispensation because of the situation. “Given the unusual circumstances surrounding the compressed time table, aborted start, the grid access logistics and given the stipulation from the Technical Delegate that the tyre pressures were within the correct parameters, the stewards determine that a fine for a breach of procedure is appropriate in this case,” they said.
“Normally a breach of this nature, within a competitive session would carry a sporting penalty but it is not appropriate in this case. However, this decision should not be considered as a precedent for any similar breach in the future as the circumstances are considered unique.”
The development comes after he had bemoaned the way his W15 vehicle performed all weekend, having clearly struggled to maintain control on all three days. “It’s like a plank of wood,” he told Sky Sports.
“There’s just no suspension. It’s just bouncing on the tyres everywhere, and you can’t get the power anywhere. I think it’s definitely the worst ride we’ve ever had, especially when we are going through corners. It’s so stiff.”
Hamilton did express hope that the final three venues of the season, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, wouldn’t be as ‘bouncy’. However, he also made a candid admission about the prospect of three more races with Mercedes, saying: “I could happily go and take a holiday right now.”
