Which skid caused Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to be eliminated in Austin? Let’s find out.
Hamilton and Leclerc were both eliminated from the 2023 US Grand Prix in Austin, losing their P2 and P6 positions respectively following a four-car random post-race inspection.
Inspections showed that Mercedes and Ferrari’s skates were excessively worn, meaning their skis did not comply with the F1 Technical Regulations.
What are skid in F1?
Skids, also known as skids, are wooden planks placed under the F1 car, from front to back. They were introduced in 1994 to improve safety following the death of Ayrton Senna.
Skid pads, made of a material called Jabroc, are a must-have accessory to reduce aerodynamics and protect the floor from damage when the vehicle hits the ground at high speed.
What are the rules for sliding locks?
According to F1 technical regulations, the board must be 1 cm thick. If the board is worn more than millimeters, the vehicle violates technical regulations and will be disqualified.
Article 3.5.9 e) technical regulations F1 2023 clearly states:
“The thickness of the board measured perpendicular to the bottom surface must be 10 mm [plus minus] 0.2 mm and must be uniform when remaining new.
“A minimum thickness of 9mm shall be accepted due to wear and tear and compliance with this shall be checked at the periphery of the specified openings.”
Why do F1 cars emit sparks?
Sparks come from attached titanium blocks As the car dives, the wheels slide off the ground, creating bright sparks behind the car, a sight that delights F1 fans.