During technical checks, the International Federation reported a possible irregularity on George Russell’s car. Mercedes number 63 was found underweight by the FIA, which then conducted further checks on the W15 single-seater. The team went to discuss with the race stewards.
In a statement released following the Spa event, Jo Bauer, the FIA Formula One Technical Delegate stated: ‘After the race, car number 63 was weighed and its weight was 798.0kg, which is the minimum weight required by TR Article 41. After this, fuel was drained out of the car and 2.8 litres of fuel were removed. The car was not fully drained according to the draining procedures submitted by the team in their legality documents as TR Article 6.5.2 is fulfilled. The care was weighed again on the FIA inside and outside scales and the weight was 796.5kg. The calibration of the outside and inside scales was confirmed and witnessed by the competitor. At this is 1.5kg below the minimum weight requested in Tr Article 4.1, which also has to be respected at all times during the competition, I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.’
A few hours later, this hypothesis is was officially confirmed and disqualification was therefore automatic. George Russell’s car was 1.5kg below the required weight. As a result, his compatriot Lewis Hamilton was the one who inherited the race win in the 2024 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at the 7.004-kilometre Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday. Oscar Piastri takes second place for McLaren, while Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc secures a podium finish in third place. Carlos Sainz also gains a position, moving up from P7 to P6.
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