Mercedes has been summoned to the Brazilian Grand Prix stewards over a potential issue with the rear wing on pacesetter Lewis Hamilton’s car in qualifying.
Hamilton qualified fastest at Interlagos to earn pole position for Saturday’s sprint race.
He is chasing a 19-point deficit to Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship.
Hamilton already has a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s grand prix because of Mercedes’ latest internal combustion engine change.
Now FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer has inspected Hamilton’s rear wing and opted to refer the matter to the stewards, who then formally summoned Mercedes to a hearing that will take place at 7.15pm local time.
Bauer’s note says that the minimum distance for the uppermost rear wing element’s adjustable positions was fulfilled.
However, he says the “requirement for the maximum of 85mm, when the DRS system is deployed and tested in accordance with TD/011-19, were not fulfilled”.
The implication is that Hamilton’s rear wing may be bending too much.
It has been suggested that Red Bull alerted the FIA to the potential issue with the rear wing.
Earlier this year Red Bull and Mercedes were embroiled in a row over Red Bull’s so-called flexi-rear wing.
Hamilton could face disqualification from qualifying and have to start sprint qualifying from last.
