Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton threatens to lose his pole position for the sprint race due to a technical rule violation in qualifying in Brazil. A penalty for violating the rear wing element could result in the Briton starting the sprint race at the end of the grid.
The statement from FIA Technical Delegate Joe Bauer stated:
“The adjustable positions of the top rear wing element on the vehicle with the start number 44 were checked for compliance with Article 3.6.3 of the Formula 1 2021 Technical Regulations. The requirement for the minimum distance was met. But the requirement for a maximum of 85 mm, if the DRS system is used and tested according to TD / 011-19, was not met. “
The Mercedes driver is being investigated for violating the Drag Reduction System, which means that his DRS wing flap opened more than the permitted limit during qualifying.
This investigation resulted in the technical delegate referring the matter to the stewards who will then decide how to proceed for Lewis Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton left Max Verstappen in qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix by 0.438 seconds
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes was referred to commissioners after qualifying for a suspected DRS wing violation.
# SkyF1 | # F1 | #BrazilGP
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes was referred to the commissioners after qualifying for an alleged DRS wing violation. # SkyF1 | # F1 | #BrazilGP
Bauer has referred the investigation to the stewards, while a Mercedes representative has been called to the stewards to explain the situation. The verdict will be reached after Lewis Hamilton’s team discuss the matter with the stewards.
Lewis Hamilton during qualifying for the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix. (Photo by Mark Thompson / Getty Images)
With an existing starting place penalty of five places for the main race, a disqualification could jeopardize Lewis Hamilton’s Brazilian weekend, where his team was competitive against rivals.
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A sprint and race penalty could affect the seven-time world champion’s chances of using the maximum number of points to narrow the gap between Max Verstappen, with only three races left on the post-Brazil calendar.
Edited by Mason J. Schneider
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