Only 4 single-seaters were inspected after the United States Grand Prix, we explain the procedure
You too probably woke up in confusion on Monday morning upon learning about the disqualifications of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Why were only four cars checked for floor wear? The Motors Inside editorial team sheds some light on this.
Sunday, once the podium and post-race celebrations had passed, four cars were selected for a flat-bottom inspection: those of Max Verstappen (1st), Lewis Hamilton (2nd), Lando Norris (3rd), and Charles Leclerc (6th).
Out of 4 cars, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will be disqualified from the USA Grand Prix. Their single-seaters have violated the technical regulations, specifically article 3.5.9 e). The FIA thus discovered that several protection areas of the floor were lower, by a few millimeters, compared to what the regulations demand, that is an excessive wear.
Why choose these four cars and not those of Sergio Perez (5th) and Carlos Sainz (4th) just to follow the order of the ranking for example. Why not also choose to control George Russell’s Mercedes? And those of the drivers outside the top 10 then? Out of a concern for understanding, Motors Inside reviews the FIA procedure.
Post-race inspections, what is it?
After a F1 race, the FIA carries out a whole series of tests of temperatures, fuels, and components. However, these checks are done in a random manner, under the responsibility of the FIA technical delegate, Jo Bauer.
For example, three single-seaters had undergone a floor check in Qatar, without any irregularities being reported, while in Japan, no floor was checked.
Some elements can still guide the commissioners’ choices regarding the cars to examine. In the case of this weekend, when a skate is worn, a titanium/tungsten plate, heavily solicited, gives off a strong smell, which could arouse suspicion. Another parameter taken into account: the porpoising. If the commissioners, who have access to on-board images, spot too strong vertical oscillations, this could suggest a too low body height and thus a possible infringement of the regulations.
Very time-consuming checks
Of the 17 cars that have passed the checkered flag, 13 have not been subject to a check of their skid. If two of the four single-seaters checked have been disqualified, it is very likely that, among the 13 others, some also present illegal wear and tear.
If the organization of controls can be deemed unfair, the FIA defends itself by citing practical limitations which prevent it. Indeed, considering the range of tests to be carried out, if all the tests were performed for all cars, the process would be far too time-consuming.
Can the teams appeal?
Teams are allowed to appeal. If a team suspects a competing stable of not respecting the regulations, it can ask the technical commissioners to carry out the necessary checks so that it is penalized.
However, this must be done within the given timeframe, which is a window of 30 minutes after crossing the finish line.
In Austin, the FIA report was released at 5:28 pm, almost two hours after the end of the race. In the meantime, the cars that were not subjected to technical control were returned to their teams at the end of the Parc Fermé, to be dismantled. Once handled, it would have been impossible to recall them to reliably check their conformity. Therefore, it was impossible to dispute the results.
Currently, only Ferrari and Mercedes could appeal their sanction. However, there is no doubt about the guilt of the two teams. Intentionally or not, they have violated the regulations. It therefore seems impossible to cancel the decision of the FIA.
