In a stunning turn of events, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have been disqualified from the U.S. Grand Prix for a technical infringement. Both drivers were referred to the FIA Stewards after their cars were found to fail compliance checks governing the skid blocks.
Both drivers have been found in breach of Article 3.5.9 e) of the 2023 Formula 1 technical regulations.
The Article reads; “The thickness of the plank assembly measured normal to the lower surface must be 10mm [plus or minus] 0.2mm and must be uniform when new.
“A minimum thickness of 9mm will be accepted due to wear, and conformity to this provision will be checked at the peripheries of the designated holes.”
Following the investigation, Hamilton’s report read: “During the hearing the team acknowledged that the measurement performed by the FIA Technical Team was correct and stated that the high wear on the skid pads 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 Stewards note that the onus is on the competitor to ensure that the car is in compliance with the regulations at all times during an event. In this particular case, the rear skid in the area defined in the Technical Delegate’s report was outside of the thresholds outlined in Article 3.5.9 e) of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations, which includes a tolerance for wear.
“Therefore, the standard penalty for a breach of the Technical Regulations is imposed.”
Leclerc’s ruling read much the same as Hamilton’s.
Williams will be very happy with this ruling as now both their drivers have earned points, including Logan Sargeant’s very first in Formula 1.
