Mercedes driver George Russell has been disqualified from the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix due to his car being under the minimum weight requirement, transferring the victory to Lewis Hamilton.
George Russell’s Mercedes W15 was found to be under the 798 kg minimum weight after the race, leading to his disqualification. FIA officials initially weighed Russell’s car post-race and found it to be above the 798 kg limit. However, after removing the fuel from the tank, the car’s weight dropped to 796.5 kg.
According to regulations, race cars must weigh at least 798 kg. Consequently, Russell was disqualified from the race, handing the win to Hamilton.
This development means Oscar Piastri finished second, and Charles Leclerc completed the podium in third place.
FIA Stewards’ Report and Disqualification Decision
The stewards’ report stated that representatives of the 63 car team, the FIA Technical Delegate, the FIA Single-Seater Director, and the FIA Single-Seater Technical Director were heard. The car was weighed on both the internal and external scales, with both showing the same result of 796.5 kg. The calibration of both scales was verified by the competitor and witnessed.
The team representative confirmed that the measurement was accurate and all necessary procedures were correctly followed. The team also acknowledged that there were no mitigating circumstances and accepted it was a genuine mistake on their part.
The stewards determined that Article 4.1 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations was violated and that the standard penalty for such a violation should be applied. Mercedes is not expected to appeal this decision.
As a result, Max Verstappen moved up to fourth place, with Norris, Sainz, Perez, Alonso, Ocon, and Ricciardo completing the points-scoring positions.