F1: Tire checks changed after Monza pressure issues

The FIA and Pirelli have agreed on a format regarding tire-pressure readings ahead of future Formula 1 grands prix following the issues that unfolded with Mercedes at Monza.

Mercedes came under investigation following the Italian Grand Prix after tire pressures on the left-hand side of the cars driven by both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were found to be below the recommended minimum limits set by Pirelli. The race-winning team was cleared by the stewards due to extenuating circumstances regarding the timing of the measurement and how long the tires had been out of their warming blankets.

It was suggested Pirelli and the FIA "hold further meetings to provide clear guidance to the teams on measurement protocols." Those meetings have since taken place, with Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery stating: "We have spent a fair bit of time working with the FIA, and the teams as well, in trying to find a process we feel would work for everybody.

"What will happen is at the start of the race, after the five-minute sign goes up, you can have your pressures verified. If they are found to be under the advised minimum starting pressure then you can either increase the pressure, or I guess you won't be starting."

Hembery clarified Pirelli will continue to take readings of all tires as per usual ahead of the race, with the readings passed on to the FIA, which will then undertake random checks on the grid at the five-minute warning.

Suggested to Hembery a team could attempt to gamble and hope it is not checked by the FIA, he replied: "That's a big gamble to take. Every single car could be checked, so I don't think people would gamble."

Hembery has confirmed to being "a little bit" surprised at what transpired at Monza, although he added: "In fairness to Mercedes, there is no suggestion they were trying to do anything [illegal]. It was more a case of interpretation.

"I think if we'd gone down the grid we would have found a few others, so it was important to have some clarity over at what point things will be checked."

Originally on Autosport.com