Mercedes may face sanctions from FIA's International tribunal for secret Pirelli tests

In the increasingly competitive world of Formula 1 racing, every test kilometre counts. That is what Sebastian Vettel has to say on the recent controversy that threatens to disrupt Team Mercedes‘s season. A tyre session held in Barcelona between May 15-17 is said to have defied F1 regulations as Mercedes used a 2013 car and their primary drivers for a 1000km tyre test. Red Bull and Ferrari have launched vocal protests against the entire affair in the face of Nico Rosberg’s win at the Monaco Grand Prix. Mercedes, who stand at 4th position with 109 points, have reacted ambiguously to the allegations. On the one hand, they deny any wrongdoing as they say that the FIA was informed of the tests and that it was allowed, given that all teams had the same opportunity.

Interestingly, Team Ferrari also participated in a Pirelli tyre test earlier in the season but used a 2011 car, and hence are understood to be clear of any kind of allegations of wrongdoing. The voices from within Ferrari and Red Bull have been loud as they try to evoke some sanctions from the FIA’s tribunal. The FIA International tribunal is a recent judicial intervention of the F1 constituted in 2010 and its area of activity will be that which is outside the domain of the race stewards.

Mercedes said in a press release, responding to the declaration that the tribunal will look into the matter, “We welcome the opportunity to explain the full facts of the Pirelli Test in an open and transparent manner at the International Tribunal. Sporting integrity is of primary importance to Mercedes-Benz and we have the utmost confidence in the due process of the FIA.” However, the critics are united in their view that behind this seemingly calm approach lies a rhetorical move to shift all blame on Pirelli.

Pirelli, the Italian manufacturer of tyres who became the sole tyre supplier ahead of Michelin three years ago, on the other hand have projected the ‘secret test’ as one for their own benefit and that of F1. Pirelli director Paul Hembrey commented on the controversy and said, “The tests were performed on tire specifications not used and will not be used in the 2013 World Championship. The focus was on 2014.” He further sought to drive Mercedes away from any controversy by claiming that the tests were performed ‘blind’ and Team Mercedes had no knowledge of the objective of the tests and hence they could not have derived any advantage from them.

However, Pirelli distanced itself from the question of the car used and said, “Pirelli did not ask in any way that a 2013 car be used: not of Mercedes nor FIA nor the teams which, during the year, were offered the opportunity of participating in tests for the development of tires for 2014.”

Given the circumstances, both Pirelli and Team Mercedes seem to be in a spot of bother as F1 regulations regarding in-season testing are pretty clear on the matter. The regulations show a double defiance as not only was a 2013 car used, but Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were involved instead of the proposed young driver. If the results of inquiry into the conditions of the testing are found to be in contradiction to the F1 regulations, the FIA International tribunal has the power to impose bans, fines and exclusion from the F1 World Championship.

The media is abuzz with speculation concerning the background politics of this controversy as Bernie Ecclestone’s relationship with Team Mercedes Principal Ross Brawn is said to be not one of the best. Meanwhile, another speculation concerns Pirelli. Pirelli’s role as the sole supplier might be irksome to FIA president Jean Todt who is understood to be close to Michelin. However, these allegations remain unconvincing and in the realm of speculation.

It will be interesting to see what sort of affect this controversy has on the Team Mercedes who are coming off a victory at Monaco. Drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have expressed their support for the team in their statements. Mercedes have had a string of problems with tyre degradation in the season so far and have not been able to match their qualifying performances in critical race time. Monaco saw them overcome that problem and become victorious but this controversy has left that victory tainted by a bitter taste.