The 2023 F1 US Grand Prix in Austin delivered a spectacle of racing that had fans on the edge of their seats. From intense on-track battles to an astonishing turn of events, this Grand Prix had it all. The unexpected twist? The disqualification of both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Let’s take a closer look at this dramatic episode and its impact on the championship race.
The F1 US Grand Prix Unraveled:
The F1 US Grand Prix held at the Circuit of the Americas lived up to its reputation for drama. Max Verstappen emerged victorious, but the real intrigue began during the post-race vehicle inspections.
Technical Infraction and Rule Violation of F1:
The FIA Technical team, responsible for scrutinizing the cars, discovered a technical violation related to the skids on Hamilton and Leclerc’s vehicles, specifically in the -825 ≥ XR ≥ -1025 area. This non-compliance breached Article 3.5.9 e) of the 2023 Formula One Technical Regulations, leading to the immediate disqualification of both drivers.
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Defense and Stewards’ Verdict:
Mercedes and Ferrari, the teams behind Hamilton and Leclerc, respectively, swiftly sent representatives to make their case before the stewards. Their argument rested on the notion that the high wear on the skid pads may have resulted from the unique combination of a rough track and the compacted Sprint race schedule. Regrettably, the stewards were unmoved by this plea, upholding the disqualification.
Podium Reshuffled and Championship Ramifications:
The fallout from these disqualifications saw Lando Norris elevated to the second position, while Carlos Sainz joined the podium celebrations. Sergio Perez’s fourth-place finish extended his lead over Hamilton in the race for the second spot in the drivers’ championship. Furthermore, George Russell, Pierre Gasly, and Lance Stroll all gained positions.
Williams, often seen as the underdogs, made a significant impact, with Alex Albon securing the ninth spot and Logan Sargeant earning his first-ever Formula One point by finishing in 10th place on home turf. Yuki Tsunoda added to the excitement by claiming the bonus point for the fastest lap.
The 2023 F1 US Grand Prix will be etched in memory as an event filled with unexpected twists and turns. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s disqualifications served as a stark reminder that in Formula One, even minor technical infractions can have substantial consequences. The championship race continues to heat up, promising more excitement and unpredictability as the season unfolds. Stay tuned for the next chapter in the F1 saga, where every race plays a pivotal role in the quest for the championship title.
