Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc were disqualified from their results – in Hamilton’s case, an impressive second place result – in last weekend’s 2023 USA Grand Prix when F1 officials deemed there was excessive wear on the skid blocks underneath their cars, thus potentially giving them an aerodynamic advantage, though, controversially, that did not seem to be the case in the race. It was the first-ever disqualification for excessive skid block wear in a Formula One race.
Hamilton was disqualified from second place while Leclerc was disqualified from his sixth place finish.
Hamilton’s disqualification promoted McLaren’s Lando Norris to second and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to third.
The skid blocks are in place to prevent teams running cars too low, which can be a potential aerodynamic advantage. Adding to the situation, Mercedes had also received their last major upgrade of the year prior to this race.