Each set of Pirelli tires is numbered and linked to a barcode, electronically registered on a joint platform between Pirelli and the FIA. When a team fails to return its used tires on time, the FIA receives an alert and can decide whether or not to impose a sanction.
The Alfa Romeo team failed to return Bottas and Zhou’s tires on time on Friday after the tests in Singapore. The consequence is heavy for the team with a 10,000€ fine.
The offense concerns paragraph 30.5.i of the F1 sporting regulations. It states that among the 13 sets of dry tires used during a Grand Prix, 2 must be electronically returned to Pirelli after Free Practice 1 within 2 hours after the end of the session.
The FIA explained that the person responsible for this did not carry it out due to negligence and emphasizes the importance of this action in order to control tires and ensure that everyone has properly allocated tires. Since no performance advantage was gained, only a financial penalty will be imposed.
