Hamilton and Leclerc disqualified from the USA GP!
While they crossed the finish line respectively in second and sixth place, the 2 drivers were disqualified by the stewards during the inspection of the single-seaters after the race. The minimum thickness of the floor was judged non-compliant.
Hamilton had certainly run one of his best races of the season, temporarily finishing in second place behind the insatiable Max Verstappen. As the Briton was bearing down like an arrow behind the Red Bull driver, the most legitimate question was about the Mercedes strategy that might have cost him the victory. For Charles Leclerc, who started from pole, the race was tougher, also marked by a questionable one-stop Ferrari strategy. However, he was not turning his nose up at the 8 points of the sixth position, very important for the driver and constructor rankings.
Article 3.5.9 of the FIA not respected
While the Mercedes driver was showing good form, thanks in part to a new floor, it is this latter that was called into question. Indeed the FIA’s article 3.5.9 is clear: « The thickness of the entire plank measured normally to the lower surface must be 10mm + or – 0.2mm and must be uniform when it is new. A minimum thickness of 9mm will be accepted due to wear, and compliance with this provision will be checked at the periphery of the designated holes. ». These are skates under the car that measure this floor. However the Circuit of the Americas is particularly bumpy, which probably did not help matters for the two drivers involved.
Logan Sargeant in the points zone!
The Williams pilot, struggling since the beginning of the season scores his first points at home being an American! Temporarily ranked twelfth, he is the last driver in the points zone benefiting from the 2 disqualifications in front of him. A real opportunity, him being the only driver not yet having a contract for the next year. Alex Albon, initially 11th, just ahead of his teammate, scored 2 points. Let’s also note the podium of Carlos Sainz, and the second position of Lando Norris, respectively 3rd and 4th before this shake-up in the ranking.
Significant consequences to the ranking
With this blunder, Charles Leclerc loses his 6th place in the drivers’ championship in favor of Lando Norris, elected driver of the day this Sunday in Texas. Lewis Hamilton, who was dangerously close to Perez’s second place in the championship, sees his rise halted. He would have moved up to 19 points from the Mexican without this disqualification, he is now at 39, more than double!
