Breaking: Lewis Hamilton Hit with Double Disqualification After….read more 

In a dramatic turn of events at the 2023 United States Grand Prix, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc faced disqualification due to technical infringements, sending ripples through the Formula 1 community.

Post-race inspections revealed that the skid blocks on both Hamilton’s Mercedes and Leclerc’s Ferrari had worn beyond the permissible limits set by the FIA.  This breach of Article 3.5.9 e) of the 2023 Formula 1 Technical Regulations, which mandates a minimum plank thickness of 9mm, led to their exclusion from the final race standings.

Hamilton, who had delivered a commendable performance to finish second behind Max Verstappen, and Leclerc, who secured sixth place, saw their efforts nullified.  The disqualifications not only impacted their individual standings but also had significant implications for the Constructors’ Championship, with Mercedes and Ferrari losing valuable points.

The Circuit of The Americas, known for its bumpy surface, combined with the sprint race format, provided limited time for teams to fine-tune their setups.  Both Mercedes and Ferrari acknowledged that these factors contributed to the excessive wear on the skid blocks.  However, the FIA emphasized that it is the teams’ responsibility to ensure compliance with technical regulations at all times.

As a result of the disqualifications, Lando Norris was promoted to second place, Carlos Sainz to third, and Sergio Perez to fourth, extending his lead over Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship.  The revised standings also benefited other drivers, with George Russell moving up to fifth, and Logan Sargeant earning his first F1 point on home soil.

This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to technical regulations in Formula 1, where even minor infractions can have substantial consequences.  Teams are now expected to reassess their procedures to prevent similar occurrences in future races.