In a stunning development that has rocked the Formula 1 world, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc have been dramatically excluded from the Singapore Grand Prix results following post-race technical inspections.
Plank Problems Prove Costly for Top Teams
The controversy centres around the mandatory skid blocks beneath both cars, with officials determining excessive wear that potentially provided an illegal performance advantage. The Mercedes and Ferrari teams now face the devastating consequence of losing all hard-earned points from the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
For Hamilton, this represents a particularly brutal blow, stripping him of what would have been a remarkable fifth-place finish after an impressive recovery drive through the field. The British racing icon had battled from a disappointing qualifying session to secure valuable championship points.
Ferrari's Double Disaster in Singapore
Leclerc's exclusion compounds a miserable weekend for the Scuderia, with the Monegasque driver dropping from sixth position to complete elimination. The double disqualification creates significant implications for both the constructors' and drivers' championships as the season enters its critical final phase.
Technical delegate Jo Bauer's report highlighted concerning wear patterns on both vehicles, stating: "The physical checks of the skids on 44 and 16 were found to be not in compliance with Article 3.5.9 e). I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration."
Team Reactions and Championship Fallout
Both Mercedes and Ferrari face intense scrutiny over how their cars failed to meet the technical regulations. The disqualifications promote other drivers up the order, with Carlos Sainz now inheriting a stronger position for Ferrari despite his teammate's misfortune.
This dramatic turn of events underscores the relentless precision required in modern Formula 1, where millimetres can separate triumph from disaster. As the teams regroup, questions will inevitably be asked about how such fundamental technical oversights could occur at this elite level of competition.
