With the 2023 Formula 1 season nearing its end, the United States Grand Prix 2023 was witness. While reigning champion Max Verstappen after securing the top position on the podium in the Sprint, clinched the final race to bring his 50 th Grand Prix win, two drivers were disqualified from the race after its completion.
While Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton finished second with Lando Norris taking the third place, the seven-time champion was handed a disqualification along with Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc by the FIA. Post this, Norris took the second spot with Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz taking the third place.
But why did Hamilton and Leclerc receive disqualification from the race. Following the race in Austin, both drivers’ cars were inspected, and irregularities were spotted by the FIA Technical team. As stated in the F1 release, the Delegate’s Report stated, “The skids located in the area -825 ≥ XR ≥ - 1025 are found to be not in compliance with Article 3.5.9 e) of the Formula One Technical Regulations.”
Additionally, an FIA statement confirming the decision said Mercedes and Ferrari had acknowledged their respective breach was “probably a result of the unique combination of the bumpy track and the Sprint race schedule that minimised the time to set up and check the car before the race.”
Moreover both teams have an option to appeal the ruling but both teams took to social media to update on this change in the standings in the United States GP 2023.