Photo: formula1.com
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have both been disqualified from the United States Grand Prix due to irregularities discovered during the post-race inspection. The Mercedes and Ferrari drivers lost their respective race classifications.
This weekend's United States Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen score his 15th win this season (and 50th overall) after a heated battle with Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. Despite brake issues, the Dutch driver held off the McLaren and Mercedes-AMG drivers in the final laps of the race.
Lewis Hamilton finished second, and Leclerc crossed the line in sixth position, but both were disqualified after the post-race inspection. According to the FA, the rear skid plates on their cars were worn out beyond the tolerance specified in the rules.
Specifically, the drivers were in breach of Article 3.5. e) of the 2023 F1 technical regulations, which reads: "The thickness of the plank assembly measured normal to the lower surface must be 10mm and must be uniform when new. A minimum thickness of 9mm will be accepted due to wear."
Mercedes-AMG and Ferrari argued that the high wear was probably a result of the "unique combination of the bumpy track and the Sprint race schedule that minimized the time to set up and check the car before the race." The statement did nothing to change the decision, as the Stewards noted that each competitor "must ensure that the car is in compliance with the regulations at all times."
As a result of the disqualification, Lando Norris moved up to second, and Carlos Sainz got a place on the podium. Sergio Perez moved to fourth. George Russell, who originally finished seventh, earned two extra spots to fifth position. Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll, Yuki Tsunoda, Alex Albom, and Logan Sargeant completed the points ranking. By inheriting tenth place, Sargeant grabbed his first F1 point on home soil.
While Lewis Hamilton lost 18 points, the disqualification did not impact the drivers' championship standings. Verstappen leads by over 200 points and has already clinched his third consecutive title. Hamilton remains in third position, 39 points behind Sergio Perez. Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, lost his sixth spot to Lando Norris.
There are no changes in the constructors' championship either. Red Bull Racing has already been crowned champion with 17 wins and 706 points, followed by Mercedes-AMG and Ferrari with 344 and 322 points, respectively.
The 2023 Formula One World Championship will be continued on October 29 with the Mexico City Grand Prix, followed by the Sao Paulo GP in Brazil on November 5. The series will return to the US for the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 18. The final race will take place on November 26 at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Lewis Hamilton finished second, and Leclerc crossed the line in sixth position, but both were disqualified after the post-race inspection. According to the FA, the rear skid plates on their cars were worn out beyond the tolerance specified in the rules.
Specifically, the drivers were in breach of Article 3.5. e) of the 2023 F1 technical regulations, which reads: "The thickness of the plank assembly measured normal to the lower surface must be 10mm and must be uniform when new. A minimum thickness of 9mm will be accepted due to wear."
Mercedes-AMG and Ferrari argued that the high wear was probably a result of the "unique combination of the bumpy track and the Sprint race schedule that minimized the time to set up and check the car before the race." The statement did nothing to change the decision, as the Stewards noted that each competitor "must ensure that the car is in compliance with the regulations at all times."
As a result of the disqualification, Lando Norris moved up to second, and Carlos Sainz got a place on the podium. Sergio Perez moved to fourth. George Russell, who originally finished seventh, earned two extra spots to fifth position. Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll, Yuki Tsunoda, Alex Albom, and Logan Sargeant completed the points ranking. By inheriting tenth place, Sargeant grabbed his first F1 point on home soil.
While Lewis Hamilton lost 18 points, the disqualification did not impact the drivers' championship standings. Verstappen leads by over 200 points and has already clinched his third consecutive title. Hamilton remains in third position, 39 points behind Sergio Perez. Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, lost his sixth spot to Lando Norris.
There are no changes in the constructors' championship either. Red Bull Racing has already been crowned champion with 17 wins and 706 points, followed by Mercedes-AMG and Ferrari with 344 and 322 points, respectively.
The 2023 Formula One World Championship will be continued on October 29 with the Mexico City Grand Prix, followed by the Sao Paulo GP in Brazil on November 5. The series will return to the US for the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 18. The final race will take place on November 26 at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
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