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Mercedes were penalised even further with an additional €10,000 fine – €5,000 for both Russell and Lewis Hamilton’s cars – after the team released pressure from their tyres on the grid whilst they awaited the aborted race 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 stewards explained. “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.
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“Given the unusual circumstances surrounding the compressed time table, 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 considered unique.”
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