Ferrari Admits Critical Error After Hamilton and Leclerc Disqualifications Following…read more.
Ferrari has admitted to making a “serious mistake” following the disqualification of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton from the United States Grand Prix due to technical irregularities. Both drivers were penalized after post-race inspections revealed that the underfloor planks on their cars did not meet the minimum thickness requirements set by the FIA.
The disqualifications came as a shock to Ferrari, especially after Leclerc had initially finished in sixth place. Team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged the team’s oversight, describing it as a critical error that compromised the car’s legality. Vasseur explained that the bumpy nature of the Circuit of the Americas and the sprint race format, which limited time for setup adjustments, may have contributed to excessive plank wear.
“We underestimated the impact of the track conditions on the car’s performance,” Vasseur said. “It’s a painful lesson, but we have to take responsibility and ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
The disqualification also affected Mercedes, with Hamilton losing his second-place finish. Both teams now face pressure to tighten compliance with FIA regulations.
Despite the setback, Ferrari remains optimistic about the rest of the season. The team is determined to analyze the issue thoroughly and implement better monitoring strategies. With just a few races left, Ferrari aims to bounce back and protect its position in the constructors’ championship.
The incident has reignited debates about the impact of strict technical regulations and the challenges teams face in balancing performance with rule compliance.
