Nico Rosberg drops to third with 10-second time penalty at British GP
Nico Rosberg has been given a 10-second penalty for a breach of the radio communication rules in the British GP after the team discussed a gearbox issue with him.
He thus drops to third behind Max Verstappen.
The message that the Stewards picked up on was where the team told him how to adjust his gear shifting by not using seventh.
The FIA deemed that he had breached Article 27.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, and noted that: “Having considered the matter extensively, the Stewards determined that the team gave some instructions to the driver that were specifically permitted under Technical Directive 014-16. However, the Stewards determined that the team then went further and gave instructions to the driver that were not permitted under the Technical Directive, and were in Breach of Art. 27.1 of the Sporting Regulations, that the driver must drive the car alone and unaided.”
Mercedes has lodged an appeal with the FIA regarding the decision. In effect the team has bought itself time to assess the situation, and it can now decide whether to proceed with the appeal or withdraw it. Had it not appealed the results would have been final on Sunday.
