Mercedes F1 team to be kicked out of 2013 championship? (Update)

UPDATE In London, Kevin Eason wrote that "the feeling was growing that Mercedes will get to keep their trophy because the test ban did not apply directly to the Monaco event." But the FIA "pointed the finger and let it be known that Mercedes had been warned that they could not test with this season’s car and their two race drivers." Most likely, the transgression will result in "a huge fine to fatten the FIA’s coffers" and Pirelli will get "a nasty slap on the wrist." London Times

05/26/13 Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes team could be kicked out of the world championship.

Hours after teammate Nico Rosberg stormed to the biggest win in their history, the car giant was branded “underhanded" by Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

Mercedes had to deny claims their Monaco result was built on a secret three-day Pirelli tire test ahead of the Monte Carlo Grand Prix.

A protest from Scuderia Ferrari and Red Bull Racing regarding the controversial Mercedes Pirelli test was heard by the FIA stewards after the Monaco GP, but as expected, no immediate action has resulted, and instead a report will now be considered by the FIA.

In a note issued to the media Sunday night the FIA has in effect hinted that Mercedes could face serious sanctions (including being kicked out of this year's world championship) as a result of the controversial secret Pirelli test.

It makes it clear that Pirelli and Mercedes did not follow procedures and that they tested without the FIA’s permission.

Jean Todt is believed to be furious about what happened and met with Stefano Domenicali at the Ferrari motorhome today.

The note reads as follows: “At the beginning of May, the FIA was asked by Pirelli if it was possible to carry out some tire development testing with a team, using a current car. Within the contract Pirelli has with the FIA as single-supplier, there is provision for them to carry out up to 1000kms of testing with any team – provided every team is offered the opportunity to do so.

“Pirelli and Mercedes-AMG were advised by the FIA that such a development test could be possible if carried out by Pirelli, as opposed to the team that would provide the car and driver, and that such tests would be conditional upon every team being given the same opportunity to test in order to ensure full sporting equity.

“Following this communication, the FIA received no further information about a possible test from Pirelli or Mercedes-AMG. Furthermore the FIA received no confirmation that all teams had been given an opportunity to test."