Mercedes boss Toto Wolff visited the commissioners during the red flag after the collision between Hamilton and Verstappen
Formula 1 teams have been warned that they could face fines if they visit race stewards without an invitation.
Race director Michael Masi has warned all teams in writing that the stewards may only visit with prior approval or an official summons.
He warned that violations could be viewed as a violation of Formula 1 rules.
The penalties for the violation of the article mentioned by Masi – 12.2.1.i of the international sports law – can range from a reprimand to a fine to the deduction of points or even disqualification.
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff and Red Bull driver Christian Horner visited the stewards during a red flag after the accident at the British Grand Prix.
Wolff was concerned about the content of a discussion between Horner and Masi about the crash, in which the Red Bull boss blamed Hamilton.
Wolff asked Masi if he had seen some emails he had sent him that had diagrams in them Overtaking guidelines of the folder ste which is dealt with when a driver has the right to undertake an overtaking maneuver.
Masi said, “I suggest, if you want, Toto, go upstairs and see the stewards right away.”
Horner then went to the stewards too.
He said afterwards, “I don’t think the stewards should intervene. I went to the stewards because I heard Toto was presenting a case up there and you want it to be fair and balanced.
“I don’t think it’s right that team bosses can influence the stewards. They should be locked away so that they are not influenced. It was unacceptable for me that he was up there.”
Hamilton was “largely to blame” for the fall on the first lap of the British Grand Prix and received a 10-second penalty.
He recovered to win the race and reduce Verstappen’s championship lead from 32 to eight points.
Verstappen was rushed to hospital after a 51G impact but was released unharmed later that evening.
After the race, Masi said he had no problem with the teams visiting the stewards.
“If we have an incident after the race, we invite the teams and drivers to appear before the commissioners,” he said.
“We had the case in Monza last year when Lewis spoke to the stewards to understand what happened and to see the whole picture. That ability exists during suspension so there is no reason not to. “
