Mercedes under investigation for covering up Rosberg's W06

Mercedes risks paying a high price for what at first glance may seem like simple carelessness. During the first free practice, Nico Rosberg stopped on track due to a hydraulic problem. The German driver then resumed the session, setting the best time ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

Due to an excess of "jealousy" of their technical solutions, the mechanics covered Nico's car with a tarpaulin as it was brought back to the pits. A behavior, perhaps dictated by habit or by the presence of some significant innovation on the W06, which would have blatantly violated the rules.

Article 27.4, in fact, reads as follows: “During the entire event (so already from free practice ed.) screens, sheets, or other coverings which could obscure any part of a single-seater located in the paddock, pit lane, pits or grid are prohibited, unless the covering is necessary for mechanical reasons, such as protection against fires."

The Brackley mechanics would therefore have covered the single-seater without obvious reasons of necessity and safety, as highlighted in the report presented by technical delegate Jo Bauer to the race commissioners:

“At 10:28 am during the first free practice, some members of the Mercedes team covered the lower area of ​​the number 6 car, the rear diffuser area and the front wing as it was brought back into the paddock after having stopped for a long time. the trace for a failure. Since the car did not suffer damage from an accident, in my opinion covering it constituted a violation of the regulation referred to in art. 27.4. I leave the question to the competition judges.".

It will be necessary to understand whether Mercedes, if ever found guilty, will be able to get away with a fine or will suffer a penalty.

Antonino Rendina

Follow @antorendina