Mercedes’ George Russell was removed of his race in the Belgian GP after his race victory was ruled a result of a stewards’ investigation into his car’s weight.

George Russell was stripped of his win during the Belgian Grand Prix after his Mercedes car was weighed too low at the time of the chequered flag.

By Laurence Edmondson

28 July 2024 04.28 12:28

George Russell was stripped of his win at the Belgian Grand Prix after his Mercedes car was found to be unweighted following the chequered flag.

His teammate Lewis Hamilton was promoted to the top spot, securing his second win this season following his victory during the British Grand Prix earlier this month.

Russell’s car was measured after the race, and was determined to be at the required weight (798 kilograms) However, when the fuel was taken out of the Mercedes it was determined to be 1.5kg less than the recommended weight.

The case was reported to stewards who determined that Russell’s vehicle was exempt from being inspected.

“Car 63 was weighed on the FIA outside and inside scales, with both showing the same results that was 796.5kg,” a stewards statement read. “The accuracy of the scales on both was verified and confirmed by the competitors.

“During the hearing, the team’s representative confirmed the measurement was accurate and that all necessary procedures were carried out correctly. The team also admitted that there were no limiting circumstances, and that this was a legitimate error by the team.

“The Stewards decide the Article 4.1 in the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations is infringed, and an appropriate penalty in the event of an infraction must be used.

“Competitors are reminded of their option of appealing certain decisions made by the stewards, as per Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the time limit applicable.”

Russell took the win on the basis of a single stop, which means that he only used only one set of tyres for the last 34 laps while the rest of the race took an additional stop.

The wear and tear on the four tyres may be a factor in the total weight gain over an extended time, though teams generally take into account this prior to the race.

Another unique aspect of one of the most unique aspects to Belgian Grand Prix is that Spa-Francorchamps’ length lap ensures that drivers do not finish a cool-down lap following the chequered lap but make a pit lane immediately following Turn 1.

A lack of cool down laps, that drivers can’t pick up the debris of rubber that has accumulated on their tyres. This is the normal procedure following an event to replenish any weight lost.

“Heartbreaking. … It was heartbreaking. have all gone to the track today, and I am proud to cross the finish line first,” Russell said in a post on social media following the race. “There will be more races to be announced.”

Before the decision of the stewards, Mercedes team leader Toto Wolff stated that his team will have to accept a disqualification should it occurs.

“You must be able to take it head on,” he said. “If the stewards make a decision against us, that’s what it is. A error was made or could have occurred and one-two could have been a wonderful outcome heading into the summer break. This could not be more wrong.

“The positive, the most positive thing we can learn out of this race, is that that we have two race cars which served as the standard for this race, using 2 different approaches. Who would have thought that in the past few months? That’s really interesting to read.”

When asked if there was any damage on Russell’s vehicle and if it could be a factor in it being overweight, Wolff added: “No I believe it’s a one-stop … you’re expecting to lose rubber, perhaps more, but that’s not an reason to be able to.

“If … If the stewards determine it a violation of the rules and they do, then that’s what it is and we must take the lessons learned and as a group, since there are many positives, especially for George is huge blow for the driver whose childhood goal was to win these races, only to hear that it’s been taken away. However, he’ll be able to win more races.”