Rosberg lost second place to Max Verstappen as a result of the penalty, after the FIA deemed the team had given the German illegal advice on the radio after he suffered a gearbox problem.

In effect, Mercedes has bought itself time to assess the situation, and it can now decide whether to proceed with the appeal or withdraw it.

Had it not appealed the results would have been final today.

The key to the decision was the team telling Rosberg how to deal with his seventh gear problem.