Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have left behind the most competitive race of the season at the US GP. Hamilton finished the race in second place, 2 seconds behind race winner Max Verstappen. But, as Max Verstappen said, with better strategy, Hamilton could have won today.
On the other hand, Leclerc started the race from pole position, but due to Ferrari’s single pit-stop strategy, he fell behind throughout the race and finished 6th.
However, these did not matter much as both pilots were disqualified from the American Grand Prix.
The reason they were disqualified was because the wooden floor plate on their vehicle was worn more than allowed.
Photo: Giorgio Piola
Haas VF-22 board
You know the floors of Formula 1 cars have wooden planks to keep the vehicles from getting too close to the ground.
To ensure that vehicles do not run dangerously close to the ground and to set a minimum limit on ride height, these plates have a low wear rate.
This base plate is checked during post-race tests, and if the plate is worn more than allowed, the pilot driving the vehicle will be disqualified from the race. There is a very strict approach in this matter.
Photo: Ronald Wording
You can see the wooden panel on the floor of the Mercedes W14
Following the race, routine tests by the FIA found that both Leclerc’s and Hamilton’s cars had failed compliance tests related to baseplate wear. Subsequently, both pilots were nominated to the FIA commissioners.
In case of violation in this regard, the penalty was very clear and, as expected, both pilots were disqualified from the American Grand Prix and removed from the race classification.
As a result, Lando Norris advanced to second place and Carlos Sainz to third place, and the Spanish pilot took the podium.
By eliminating Hamilton and Leclerc from the race finish, Logan Sargent broke into the top 10 and the rookie driver scored the first points of his career in his home race.
Photo: Mark Sutton / Motorsport films
Logan Sargent, Williams FW45
