George Russell’s stunning victory at the Belgian Grand Prix may be in jeopardy following a post-race inspection that revealed his car was underweight.
After an incredible race that saw George Russell clinch his third Formula 1 win, excitement turned to concern for the British driver. Russell adopted a bold one-stop strategy, holding off a fast-approaching Lewis Hamilton to secure the win.
However, post-race checks by the FIA unveiled an issue. The FIA’s technical team discovered that Russell’s Mercedes car, after having its fuel drained, weighed 796.5 kg. This is 1.5 kg below the required 798 kg minimum weight limit. The initial weigh-in had the car at 798 kg, but removing 2.8 liters of fuel dropped it below the threshold.
According to FIA’s regulations, if a car is found to be underweight after post-race inspection, it can result in disqualification unless the team provides a satisfactory explanation. The FIA technical delegates’ report specifically pointed out the weight discrepancy, stating that the matter would be referred to the Stewards.
In anticipation of the decision, it’s worth noting that if Russell’s results are annulled, Hamilton would be declared the winner, pushing Oscar Piastri to second place and Charles Leclerc to third. This potential reshuffle recalls past instances where teams have faced disqualifications for weight issues.
Russell and Mercedes now face a crucial period as they await the final decision from the FIA Stewards. This is not the first time teams have been caught in similar predicaments. Historical cases, such as Jenson Button and Takuma Sato’s disqualification for a similar infraction at the San Marino Grand Prix, further underscore the importance of compliance with weight regulations.
Moreover, an unforgettable incident in 1984 saw Tyrrell’s results wiped from the records when it was found that the team had used a mixture in their water injection system to meet weight requirements. These precedents highlight the critical nature of adhering to the rules.
The verdict on Russell’s Belgian GP win holds significant implications not only for him and Mercedes but also for the entire championship standings. As the motorsport world awaits the Stewards’ decision, the tension is palpable.
The motorsport community watches closely as George Russell and Mercedes navigate this critical moment. The Stewards’ final decision will undoubtedly have a major impact on the current F1 season.
