AUSTIN – Things went from bad to worse for Mercedes here at the F1 United States Grand Prix.
On Saturday, Lewis Hamilton was surprisingly eliminated in Q1. A front suspension issue on the W15 that occurred during the F1 sprint race earlier in the day created an issue that one of the world's legendary drivers was unable to overcome during the session. While George Russell advanced to Q3, a severe shunt near the end of the qualifying segment left Mercedes scrambling to get their upgraded W15s ready for the race on Saturday night.
Unfortunately, Mercedes could not win that battle.
Repairs to his W15 required more time than allowed under Sporting Regulations Article 40.6, and F1 technical director Joe Bauer noted the consequences and referred the issue to race officials. “Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team did not participate in interviews with car number 63 driver George Russell two hours after the conclusion of the qualifying session, but continued work on the car. This is in accordance with the 2024 F1 Sporting Regulations. 40.6 because it does not comply with Article 40.6.
“I have referred this matter to the conference's review committee for consideration,” Bauer's report said.
Article 40.6 of the F1 Sporting Regulations states:
“All cars used (or cars scheduled to be used but unable to leave the pit lane) during each session, within two hours of the end of both the qualifying session and the sprint session (if scheduled). all covered and ready to apply the FIA seal to keep it safe until the next day. For marketing purposes, this deadline is maximum for one car of each competitor, as agreed in advance with the Technical Delegate. This may be extended by two hours. Your vehicle will be covered overnight and may be fitted with a device to keep your vehicle warm.”
of The team confirmed on Sunday morning. Russell will start from the pit lane.
That means when the lights go out here at the Circuit of the Americas later today, Hamilton will line up at the back of the field and Russell will roll out of the pit lane.
Russell posted a short thread on social media, vowing to do “justice” to the team for the effort they put into getting the car ready for the race.
Yesterday was a very disappointing day. The team has worked hard to upgrade the car and it showed great potential on Friday. It didn't seem like that pace was there yesterday, pushing him beyond his limits and ultimately paying the price with a crash. pic.twitter.com/vuBIYaCrx0
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) October 20, 2024
Still, it could be a very long afternoon for the Silver Arrows.
