Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen won his 50th Grand Prix in the United States Grand Prix. But his win was overshadowed by the disqualification of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton after the failed post-race inspection. Leclerc and Hamilton were found to have excessively worn planks, in breach of the regulation. Now, the Dutchman has given his verdict on the drama around the DSQ.

Verstappen felt that the disqualification of a driver should prompt the FIA to look into the teammate’s car, George Russell and Carlos Sainz, immediately. The Red Bull driver acknowledged that it may have been an honest mistake, implying neither team intended to make their car illegal. He held the Sprint format of the weekend responsible for the rushed and sometimes misjudged practice runs.

It’s just even more because of this sprint format that you only have one practice session where you try to nail everything, and once you are in the wrong, there’s nothing you can do…when you check one car of the team, and it’s illegal, then I think you should check the other one as well.

Verstappen said, as reported by racefans.net

Verstappen conceded that it would be too arduous to carry out tests on every car but said that when one car of a team gets disqualified, the other should be checked tool. Since teams often run similar set-ups during races, the other car could likely benefit from moving up a place while running an illegal car that went unchecked.

Lewis Hamilton getting significant RB19 data is a big win for Mercedes despite loss to Max Verstappen

Hamilton crossed the line just 2.2 seconds behind Verstappen in the US GP. He said it was a “learning experience” to see the Red Bull car at such close quarters in both the Grand Prix and the sprint race. Hamilton provided more information on what he had seen when asked in Mexico City on Thursday. 

I think the only places that we are probably on a level with them is in the low speed

Hamilton said, as reported by motorsport.com

Hamilton mentioned that the Red Bull can get on the power much earlier, and the car moves significantly less. Because of this, the tire degradation is much lower. Hamilton also pointed out the low temperature of the tire with a more stable platform compared to everyone else. He believed that despite this, Mercedes had a chance to finish first in the Grand Prix with a better strategy, though it wouldn’t matter anyway because of the subsequent disqualification.

In case you missed it:

• Max Verstappen firmly insists that his rivalry with Sergio Perez is “made up”
• Lewis Hamilton lashes out at Sergio Perez’s critics for imposing ‘mental and psychological pressure’ on him

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