Formula One Disqualification: Ferrari’s Leclerc and Hamilton Stripped of Shanghai Grand Prix Results
Disqualification and Weights
Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were disqualified from the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix after their cars failed post-race checks on Sunday. The pair finished fifth and sixth, respectively, in the Shanghai race. However, Leclerc’s car was found to be under the weight limit, while Hamilton’s car was reported to stewards for excessive skid wear.
Additional Disqualification
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who finished 11th, was also disqualified for his car being below the minimum weight. Leclerc had lost his car’s front wing end plate in a first-lap collision with Hamilton, but it was replaced before the final weighing. Stewards reported that it weighed 799 kg after the fuel was drained, with the minimum weight set at 800 kg. The thickness of the plank on Hamilton’s car was below the minimum nine mm.
Hearing and Verdict
During the hearing, the team representative confirmed that the measurement is correct and that all required procedures were performed correctly. The team also acknowledged that there were no mitigating circumstances and that it was a genuine error by the team.
Impact on the Results
The disqualifications benefited Haas particularly, with Esteban Ocon moving up to fifth and rookie Oliver Bearman eighth. Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli moved up to sixth for Mercedes with Alex Albon seventh for Williams. Gasly’s disqualification meant Lance Stroll finished ninth for Aston Martin, and Carlos Sainz took the final point for Williams despite finishing 13th on track.
Conclusion
The disqualification of Leclerc and Hamilton serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations in the world of Formula One. The consequences of failing to meet the weight and measurement requirements can be severe, as seen in this case. The teams must be vigilant in ensuring that their cars meet the minimum standards to avoid disqualification and maintain the integrity of the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the reasons for the disqualification of Leclerc and Hamilton?
A: Leclerc’s car was under the weight limit, while Hamilton’s car had excessive skid wear.
Q: Who else was disqualified from the race?
A: Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was also disqualified for his car being below the minimum weight.
Q: How did the disqualification affect the final results?
A: Haas’ Esteban Ocon and rookie Oliver Bearman moved up the ranks, while Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Williams’ Alex Albon also benefited from the disqualification.