Mercedes F1 News: FIA imposes penalty on Mercedes after strange Hamilton incident in Austria

The FIA ​​​​has announced its verdict after an investigation in an incident with Lewis Hamilton in qualifying in Austria.

The seven-time champion will start the race in fifth place on Sunday. Max Verstappen takes pole position at RedBull‘s home Grand Prix.

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Hamilton was again outperformed by his teammate in qualifying George Russellwho started his W15 in third place, with his British compatriot Lando Norris He is on the front row with Verstappen.

The result means Hamilton now trails his teammate 9-2 in the qualifying battle after an ultimately frustrating afternoon in Spielberg.

READ MORE: FIA announces penalty for Verstappen after mishap at Austrian GP

Mercedes fined for incident in Q3

To make matters worse for the 39-year-old, he was summoned to the stewards after the session due to a bizarre incident in Q3.

He left his Mercedes garage, Hamilton appeared to be pulling a rear jack and suction pipe into the pit lane.

The FIA ​​​​immediately announced an investigation into the matter and, following the conclusion of the talks, concluded that Hamilton had breached Article 34.14 a) for an unsafe release and imposed a fine of 5,000 euros on Mercedes.

An FIA investigation following the investigation states: “The Race Direction heard from the team representative and reviewed video evidence.

“Car 44 was taken out of the garage in an unsafe manner, with a jack and exhaust extractor being dragged behind it. Race Direction confirms that the team immediately asked the driver to stop to prevent further damage and/or dangerous situations.

“Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal against certain decisions taken by the Stewards within the applicable time limits, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA ​​International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA ​​Legal and Disciplinary Rules.

“The decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA ​​and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.”

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