F1 team punished by FIA over bizarre Mexican GP ‘cover-up’

The Audi Revolut F1 Team received a €5,000 fine from the FIA during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend for violating Article B3.3 of the sporting regulations. Technical Delegate Jo Bauer reported that the team placed a soft cover behind the front axle of Gabriel Bortoleto's car to block views of battery pack work during FP2, while also transporting a covered floor through the pit lane.

Audi explained the breach occurred because their two allocated garages were separated by another garage, prompting them to obscure the floor from third parties. However, stewards ruled that the circumstances did not exempt Audi from the rules prohibiting car obstructions. The penalty followed an earlier €7,500 fine after Freddie Slater's car was released in FP1 with a cooling fan attached.