Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc faced disqualification in the United States Grand Prix due to technical violations discovered post-race.
According to the FIA, both Hamilton and Leclerc’s cars “were found not to be in compliance” with the rules and regulations because of skids. [Link to Formula One’s site for more details](https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1258fb61-784e-4477-95d9-85937baa69a2&siteId=us-sports&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Formula+One&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5mb3JtdWxhMS5jb20vZW4vbGF0ZXN0L2FydGljbGUuYnJlYWtpbmctaGFtaWx0b24tYW5kLWxlY2xlcmMtZGlzcXVhbGlmaWVkLWZyb20tdW5pdGVkLXN0YXRlcy1ncmFuZC1wcml4LWZvci4xMG52dXl2RVBmTWdvZVd4V09odzBhLmh0bWwiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjRlOGM2NzVhLWU2NDEtNDVjYi1hNjRjLWRiMzdiYTcxNDljYyJ9&signature=AQAAAdpJscmasrHyzRttflVyhmklsN7PgbImKllkvY07Xmw3&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.formula1.com%2Fen%2Flatest%2Farticle.breaking-hamilton-and-leclerc-disqualified-from-united-states-grand-prix-for.10nvuyvEPfMgoeWxWOhw0a.html).
In defense, both teams explained to the stewards that the skid pad wear was a result of the bumpy track and the tight schedule which limited their time to prepare and check the cars before the race.
The FIA’s statement emphasized that competitors are responsible for ensuring their cars’ compliance with regulations throughout an event. In this case, the rear skid pads exceeded the defined thresholds outlined in the Technical Delegate’s report, leading to the disqualifications.
Despite finishing second and sixth, Hamilton and Leclerc now lose all points earned in the race, making it difficult for Hamilton to catch up to Red Bull’s Sergio Perez in the points standings.
Verstappen, teammate of Perez, secured his 15th race win of the season at Suzuka, sealing his third consecutive Formula 1 title. Perez entered Sunday’s race with a 27-point lead over Hamilton, but the disqualifications widened the gap to 39 points.
Mercedes brought their final season upgrades to the Circuit of the Americas, hoping to challenge Verstappen’s dominance. Hamilton finished just over two seconds behind Verstappen, and also claimed second place in the sprint race on Saturday.
With Leclerc’s disqualification, McLaren’s Lando Norris moved up to second place in the standings, behind Red Bull’s Verstappen.
Updated United States Grand Prix Finishing Order
1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2. Lando Norris, McLaren
3. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
4. Sergio Perez, Red Bull
5. George Russell, Mercedes
6. Pierre Gasly, Alpine
7. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
8. Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri
9. Alex Albon, Williams
10. Logan Sergeant, Williams
11. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
12. Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo
13. Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo
14. Kevin Magnussen, Haas
15. Daniel Ricciardo, AlphaTauri
Not classified:
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Esteban Ocon, Alpine
Disqualified:
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
