Crazy situation: Hamilton and Leclerc disqualified

Second-placed Lewis Hamilton was subsequently disqualified from the Formula 1 race in Austin. The same fate befell Ferrari star Charles Leclerc. The Italians were also happy about the verdict.

23 October 2023

From: dpa

The reason given by the race stewards on Sunday (local time) was a non-compliant underbody on the Brit's Mercedes. This puts McLaren driver Lando Norris in second place Winner and world champion Max Verstappen before. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is now third. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, who finished sixth, was also removed from the results list due to an irregular floor plate.

Mercedes had previously admitted the violation of the rules on Hamilton's car. Apparently, according to measurements taken by the world association's regulators, the base plate was no longer as thick as required at the end of the race. The team cited the effects of the very bumpy track on the underbody as well as the lack of time to readjust and check the racing car after the sprint on Saturday. The wear on the base plate was greater than expected. The situation was similar at Ferrari

“Others got it right, we made a mistake.” Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff

However, the race stewards stood firm and pointed out that it was the duty of every team to ensure compliance with the regulations. The mandatory standard penalty of exclusion should therefore be imposed. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff was insightful. “Others managed it, we made a mistake and there is no leeway in the rules,” said the Austrian.

Ferrari argues and cheers

The situation at Ferrari is strange. On the one hand, the Scuderia is struggling with the disqualification of Leclerc, who finished sixth in the race, and on the other hand, it is happy for Carlos Sainz. Due to Hamilton's disqualification, he moved onto the podium in third place.

New final standings Grand Prix USA

:
1. Max Verstappen (NED) Red Bull 1:35:21,362
2. Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren +10,730
3. Carlos Sainz (ESP) Ferrari +15,134
4. Sergio Perez (MEX) Red Bull +18,460
5. George Russell (GBR) Mercedes +24,999
6. Pierre Gasly (FRA) Alpine +47,996
7. Lance Stroll (CAN) Aston Martin +48,696
8. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN) AlphaTauri +1:14,385
9. Alexander Albon (THA) Williams +1:26,714
10. Logan Sargeant (USA) Williams +1:27,998
11. Nico Hülkenberg (GER) Haas +1:29,904
12. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Alfa Romeo +1:38,601
13. Zhou Guanyu (CHN) Alfa Romeo +1 lap
14. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) Haas +1 lap
15. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) AlphaTauri +1 lap

Eliminated: Fernando Alonso (ESP) Aston Martin, Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine, Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren

Disqualified: Lewis Hamilton (GBR) McLaren, Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari