Hamilton and Russell learn Brazilian GP fate after 'unique' situation

Mercedes has been hit with a five-figure fine following the São Paulo Grand Prix for a pre-race technical infringement.

Mercedes was found to be in breach of a technical directive relating to the tyre pressures on the cars of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

Race control aborted the initial start after Aston Martin's Lance Stroll skidded off track on the formation lap, clipping a barrier with his front wing, and then beaching his car in the gravel as he attempted to return to the circuit.

Race director Niels Wittich then announced a 10-minute window for the cars to be prepared again for the official start.

Via a report from technical delegate Jo Bauer, it was discovered that "between the 10 minutes and 5 minutes signal, on car numbers 63 and 44, the tyre pressures were adjusted (pressure released) with wheels already fitted to the car."

Tyre pressures can be adjusted during such a period when they are off the car, but not on it.

Ordinarily, Mercedes would have been hit hard, potentially disqualification, but has instead been fined €10,000 (€5,000 per car) due to a unique set of circumstances.

A stewards' document read: "After the race start was aborted the 10-minute notice was immediately given for the new start.

"Given the layout of the circuit and the access point to the grid from the pit lane, the time period for the team to get to the grid was extended.

"The gate to access the grid was not immediately opened. The FIA accepted that given this short notice, it was extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the teams to follow the procedure prescribed in the technical directive.

"The FIA technical delegate stipulated that the tyre pressures, while having been adjusted by the team, were within the normal parameters.

"Given the unusual circumstances surrounding the compressed timetable, 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.

"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 unique."