It’s official, no appeal for Mercedes

Mercedes GP has decided not to appeal the 20-second penalty given to Michael Schumacher at the Monaco Grand Prix.

It should be remembered that Schumacher took sixth place from Fernando Alonso by attacking him after turn no. 16, La Rascasse, at the entrance of turn no. 17, Antony Noghes. This controversial overtaking maneuver happened just as the safety car had returned to the pits.

The Mercedes GP team had initially stated that it considered this overtaking move legitimate.

The FIA has determined, however, that the maneuver performed by the German driver is not permitted under Article 40.13, which stipulates that no overtaking is allowed if the race ends behind the safety car.

The rule states: « If the race ends while the safety car is on the track, it will enter the pit lane at the end of the final lap and the cars will see the checkered flag normally, without overtaking. »

Mercedes GP argued that the race did not finish under the safety car. The German team relies on messages sent by race control at that time. It was displayed: «Safety Car in this lap» and «Track Clear», there were also waving green flags and flashing green lights, which suggests that the race briefly restarted.

In a statement released by Mercedes GP this Tuesday, the team stated: This opinion seems to have been shared by the majority of the teams with cars in the top ten, who also gave instructions to the drivers to race to the finish line.

Thus, after initially wanting to appeal, Mercedes GP stated that they understood why there might be differing interpretations of Article 40.13, which is why they welcomed the agreement reached with the FIA to discuss and clarify the rule at the next meeting of the Sporting Working Group: « It is clear from our discussions with the delegates after the race that they understood the reasons for our interpretation of the rule. They acknowledged that it was a new and previously untested situation but ultimately notified us of their disagreement with our interpretation. Mercedes GP wishes to fully support the drivers in this situation and remains fully convinced that the Monaco Grand Prix stewards acted professionally and impartially in this matter. »

In conclusion to the Schumacher case, the MGP spokespersons remain firm but do not want to incur the wrath of the FIA: « The FIA has decided to include Article 40.13 on the agenda of the next Sport Working Group meeting to consider a post-race penalty scale. We believe the 20-second penalty imposed on Michael is disproportionate under these circumstances. While we cannot be happy with the result, we are satisfied that the FIA acknowledged the reasons for our interpretation. Therefore, in the interest of the sport, Mercedes GP will not file an appeal. »

One must hope that the regulations evolve quickly in the face of this legal uncertainty. It would be highly damaging for a title to be decided on an interpretation.