Russell and Hamilton under investigation for sporting matter
After a challenging Sao Paulo Grand Prix for Mercedes, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton face a post-race investigation for a potential sporting infringement.
Having jumped into the lead at the start, George Russell led the opening stages of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix before getting unlucky with a red flag interruption. The Briton made his pit stop before the red flag which meant that he found himself down in P5 when the race was restarted.
Although he could overtake Lando Norris at the restart, he spent the closing stint of the 69-lap race behind the Alpine of Pierre Gasly, crossing the finish line in P4.
His team-mate Lewis Hamilton endured a very difficult opening stint, having complained about bouncing. The Briton ran wide at Juncao twice before enjoying a more successful second stint after the restart to end up tenth.
However, Mercedes will face a post-race investigation after the steward reported that the Brackley-based outfit made adjustment to the wheels which were already fitted to the car of Russell and Hamilton.
The stewards noted: “Tyre pressures were adjusted (pressure released) with wheels already fitted to the car, in alleged breach of Article 30.5 a) of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations and contradiction to technical directive TD003 N, 2. c) and 2. h)”
