F1 News
Red Bull, Mercedes, Aston Martin and McLaren let off by the FIA
As many as four teams worked longer than permitted during the night from Wednesday to Thursday. However, Mercedes, Aston Martin, McLaren and Red Bull Racing avoided a warning due to unique circumstances at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Normally, F1 teams are allowed to use four jokers in a season to continue working on the car for longer. In that case, the so-called 'Curfew' is broken and the team loses a joker. Each team can do this four times per season.
Top teams lucky in China
The FIA first reported the broken curfew on Thursday morning, stating that the four teams involved lost the first of four jokes. A few hours later, however, a report followed that the teams were allowed to keep their jokers after all due to special circumstances.
Mercedes, McLaren, Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing were all delayed in their preparation by logistical problems. The delivery of their parts from Australia to China was delayed, which meant the teams could not make it within the time, which is why the stewards made an exception and the teams do not have to use a joker.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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