Following his remarkable victory at the British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton’s W15 was selected for a surprise inspection by the FIA.
Hamilton’s win at Silverstone marked his first Formula 1 Grand Prix victory in nearly three years, a significant achievement against tough competition like Max Verstappen. Despite the pressure, Hamilton’s performance was stellar, leading Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff to laud the victory as a genuine show of the team’s pace and capability.
The post-race procedure involved all 20 cars on the grid undergoing standard legality checks, but Hamilton’s W15 was specifically picked for a more rigorous examination. This random selection process has been part of the FIA’s protocol since 2021, intended to ensure compliance with technical regulations among top-performing teams.
The focus of the inspection was the car’s Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) air intake system, including a detailed scrutiny of the engine plenum, charge air cooler, and related sensors. The FIA’s thorough review confirmed that all inspected components adhered to the 2024 Formula One Technical Regulations, allowing Mercedes to continue their celebratory streak following a prior win by George Russell in Hungary.
Wolff expressed optimism about the team’s progress, acknowledging the strides made with the W15 in recent races, but also acknowledging the ongoing challenge of consistently competing for victories. As Mercedes prepares for the upcoming double-header, the team is determined to build on their momentum.
Looking ahead, Mercedes is keen on enhancing the W15’s performance, aiming for competitiveness at every race weekend. Wolff emphasized the importance of continuous development through upcoming events and beyond the season’s mid-point shutdown.
Hamilton’s success and the subsequent FIA inspection underscore the fine line Formula 1 teams navigate between compliance and performance, highlighting the technical challenges and triumphs of the sport.
