Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc Disqualified at 2023 United States Grand Prix: Planks Cause DQ

• Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the 2023 United States Grand Prix
• They failed scrutineering checks on the planks underneath their cars after the race
• Hamilton had finished second to Max Verstappen, while Leclerc had claimed sixth place

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have both been disqualified at the 2023 United States Grand Prix after they failed post-race checks.

They were reported to the stewards at the Circuit of The Americas after failing checks on the planks underneath their Mercedes and Ferrari cars following the race.

Both drivers lost their positions and points as a result.

Hamilton challenged for the race win and had finished second to Verstappen before his disqualification.

Leclerc claimed sixth place for Ferrari, but his result was scrapped as well.

What caused Hamilton and Leclerc's disqualification?

FIA Technical Delegate Jo Bauer was the one who referred Hamilton and Leclerc to the stewards after the race.

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He concluded his statement by saying that he is “referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration.”

Team representatives from both Ferrari and Mercedes visited the stewards to argue their case. The stewards deliberated for about 90 minutes before deciding to disqualify both cars.

McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz moved up to second and third place, respectively, following Hamilton’s disqualification.

Sergio Perez benefited hugely from the seven-time F1 champion's disqualification as well and he now holds a 39-point lead over Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship.

Were planks affected by the tarmac's bumpiness?

According to Article 3.5.9. (e)., “the thickness of the plank assembly measured normal to the lower surface must be 10mm ± 0.2mm and must be uniform when new,” per PlanetF1.com.

It also stated that “a minimum thickness of 9mm will be accepted due to wear, and conformity to this provision will be checked at the peripheries of the designated holes.”

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The excessive bumpiness of the tarmac at the Circuit of The Americas was cited as one of the reasons why Hamilton and Leclerc’s cars failed to meet the requirements.

Verstappen captures win at U.S. Grand Prix

Sports Brief also reported on Verstappen claiming the race win at the U.S. Grand Prix.

He recorded his 15th race victory of the season following his win at the Circuit of The Americas.

He equalled his record for most race wins in a single F1 season, which he set last year.