Lewis Hamilton’s rear wing has been removed from his Mercedes, sealed and impounded following Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying as a stewards’ hearing has been adjourned until the morning.
Hamilton qualified fastest at Interlagos to earn pole position for Saturday’s sprint race but an issue with his rear wing was referred to the stewards on Friday evening.
Mercedes had to report to the stewards at 7.15pm local time.
Shortly before 10pm, the FIA announced the stewards hearing had been adjourned until Saturday morning.
This is so they can examine evidence that is not yet available.
The rear wing assembly on Hamilton’s car must be removed so the FIA can impound this part under seal.
FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer will supervise the transition of Hamilton’s car “into overnight conditions, permitting only those actions needed to store the car”.
The issue appears to be to determine whether Hamilton’s rear wing flexed too much when the drag reduction system was activated.
If Hamilton is disqualified he may have to start sprint qualifying from the pitlane if Mercedes needs to change his rear wing.
At best he would start from the back of the grid.
The seven-time world champion is chasing a 19-point deficit to Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship.
Verstappen would inherit pole for the sprint and could extend his lead to 22 points on Saturday if he wins the race and claims pole position for Sunday’s grand prix.
Wherever Hamilton recovers to in the sprint he would then take a five-place grid penalty for Sunday because of Mercedes’ latest internal combustion engine change.
