There could be a last-minute surprise at the United States Grand Prix. After detecting problems in the floorboard of the cars of Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), the stewards have called the two drivers and the technical managers of their teams to testify, with the risk of disqualification.
Both pilots face DISQUALIFICATION. https://t.co/kTgAtI8Sz2
— Formula Directa (@FormulaDirecta) October 22, 2023
Pending what the FIA stewards decide, it appears that Hamilton and Leclerc’s cars have not passed the post-race technical inspection, with the Englishman finishing in second position and the Monegasque in sixth.
The two drivers could have violated article 3.5.9 e) of the 2023 Formula 1 technical regulations, which would automatically lead to disqualification. That rule says: “The thickness of the set of boards measured with respect to the bottom surface must be 10 mm [más o menos], 0.2 mm above or below, and should be uniform when it is brand new. A minimum thickness of 9 mm will be accepted if due to wear, and compliance with this provision will be verified at the peripheries of the designated holes.”
If they are finally disqualified, Sainz, who finished fourth in Austin, would climb to the podium and Norris would rise to second place to the detriment of Hamilton.