In a shocking turn of events, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have been disqualified from the United States Grand Prix due to their cars failing regular checks after the race. The disqualifications were announced on Monday morning (AEDT), leaving fans and experts baffled.
Hamilton, who finished second behind race winner Max Verstappen, and Leclerc, who started on pole position and finished sixth, had their Mercedes and Ferrari cars referred to the stewards by FIA Technical Delegate Jo Bauer after a post-race check on the floor planks underneath their cars.
The disqualifications came as a result of the skids located in the area -825 ≥ XR ≥ – 1025 not being in compliance with Article 3.5.9 e) of the FIA regulations. This rule states that the floor plank wear must not exceed a certain limit. Unfortunately, both Hamilton’s and Leclerc’s cars were found to be in violation of this regulation.
The disqualifications have created a massive controversy within the Formula One community. Many fans and experts argue that the punishment is too severe, considering that the skids in question do not have a significant impact on the performance of the cars. Others, however, believe that the rules must be upheld, and any violation, no matter how minor, should be penalized.
For Hamilton, this disqualification has serious championship implications. He is currently battling Verstappen for the World Championship title, and with only a few races left in the season, every point is crucial. This setback could potentially cost him valuable points and put him at a disadvantage in the championship fight.
Leclerc, on the other hand, has had an up-and-down season with Ferrari. While starting on pole position in the United States Grand Prix was a promising sign for the young driver, his disqualification has dashed his hopes of a strong result. It is yet another setback in what has been a challenging season for Ferrari.
The disqualifications also raise questions about the reliability and enforcement of the technical regulations in Formula One. With such tight tolerances and complex rules, it is difficult for teams to ensure complete compliance at all times. This incident highlights the need for clearer and more straightforward regulations to avoid confusion and controversy.
In the aftermath of the disqualifications, both Mercedes and Ferrari have expressed their disappointment but have accepted the decision. The teams will now focus on rectifying the issue and ensuring that such violations do not occur in the future.
Overall, the disqualifications of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc from the United States Grand Prix have caused a stir in the Formula One community. The severity of the punishment, the championship implications, and the potential impact on the sport’s technical regulations have sparked debate and raised questions about the fairness of the decision. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how these disqualifications will affect the championship battle and the future of Formula One.
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