Russell is set to start the US GP from the pit lane

“After yesterday's crash, the team had to work through the night to get back to specification thus breaching Article 40.6 which states that cars must cover two hours after the end of qualifying.”

The confirmation follows the publication of an earlier FIA technical document: “Two (2) hours after the end of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team Qualifying Round, car number 63 did not cover driver George Russell, but continued to work on the car.

“This does not comply with Article 40.6 of the 2024 Formula One Sporting Regulations.”

Read more: Hamilton pit lane starts weighing after 'disappointing' Q1 exit at Circuit of the Americas

Russell's team-mate Hamilton himself called for a pit lane start after his disastrous qualifying on Saturday, telling Sky Sports F1: “I should probably start in pit lane, otherwise I can't get anywhere from where I am.”

However, the seven-time world champion currently looks set to start from P17 on the grid, gaining two places due to Russell's pit lane start and Liam Lawson's back-of-the-grid penalty.