Mercedes withdraw Rosberg appeal

Mercedes have announced the withdrawal of the appeal over Nico Rosberg's 10-second time penalty from the British Grand Prix.

The German was slapped with the time penalty after the race stewards ruled that Mercedes had breached regulations regarding banned messaged when Rosberg's race engineer assisted him in the wake of a gearbox problem.

The penalty dropped Rosberg from second to third, costing the German three World Championship points.

Mercedes initially lodged an appeal but subsequently decided to withdraw it.

"The Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team today decided to withdraw its notice of intention to appeal against the decision of the Stewards of the British Grand Prix," said the team in a statement.

"We were able to prove to the Stewards that a car-stopping gearbox failure was imminent and, as such, were permitted within the rules to advise Nico of the required mode change.

"However, the advice to avoid seventh gear was considered to breach TD/016-16, and therefore Article 27.1 of the Sporting Regulations.

"The Team accepts the Stewards' interpretation of the regulation, their decision and the associated penalty."

Mercedes added that they intend to raise concerns with stakeholders about the "over-regulation" of Formula 1.

“During the coming weeks, we will continue discussions with the relevant F1 stakeholders on the subject of the perceived over-regulation of the sport,” the statement added.