FIA Hit Mercedes With Fine After George Russell Breaks Pit Lane Speed Limit In Monaco FP1

Mercedes have been handed a financial penalty by the FIA following a pit lane speeding infringement by George Russell during the first practice session at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The stewards confirmed that Russell was in breach of Article B1.6.3a of the FIA F1 Regulations after exceeding the pit lane speed limit during Friday’s opening session at Monte Carlo.
The pit lane speed limit at Monaco is set at 60 km/h, and Russell was recorded travelling at 60.3 km/h, just marginally above the permitted threshold.
Despite the marginal nature of the breach, the FIA deemed it sufficient to warrant punishment, with Mercedes receiving a fine of €100 as a result.
The incident adds a minor headache to what has otherwise been a productive Friday for the team on the streets of Monaco.
Russell himself finished fifth fastest in FP1, with his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli placing fourth, suggesting the Silver Arrows remain competitive at this historic circuit.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton set the two fastest times respectively in the opening practice session, with Max Verstappen slotting into third place.
Monaco is one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar for precise pit lane procedure, with its narrow lane requiring strict adherence to the speed limit.
A fine of €100 is among the lightest sanctions available to FIA stewards and is unlikely to have any significant bearing on Mercedes’ preparations for the rest of the weekend.
The Monaco Grand Prix weekend continues with FP2 on Friday at 17:00 local time, followed by FP3 on Saturday at 12:30 local time ahead of qualifying at 16:00 local time the same day.
The 2026 Monaco Grand Prix itself takes place on Sunday, June 7, with the race starting at 15:00 local time and 14:00 UK time.
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