![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Lando-Norris-Charles-Leclerc.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Lando-Norris-Charles-Leclerc.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
In the aftermath of the US Grand Prix, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has voiced his acceptance of his disqualification, underlining the precision involved that led to the car’s technical infringement. Stressing the minuscule error, he stated that it bore no impact on his car’s overall performance. Nonetheless, he understood the strict adherence to the rules. But that hasn’t stopped Lando Norris from setting out on the warpath.
McLaren’s famed driver, on the other hand, has expressed concerns over the FIA’s procedures. His remarks suggest a potential inconsistency in how the FIA carried out its checks, emphasizing the need for broader and more uniform scrutiny.
Calls for consistency in FIA’s legality checks grow louder with Lando Norris
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Following the Austin GP, only a few cars underwent the floor legality checks, leading to the disqualifications of Lewis Hamilton and Leclerc. While some cars were thoroughly inspected, others, notably Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari and George Russell’s Mercedes, were not. This variation in checks allowed these two drivers to climb the race ladder. The recent events at the Austin GP underscore the importance of uniform enforcement of rules.
Norris pointed out, “I would love it if they had checked more cars. They checked mine first. It’s more [across] teams. If one car is illegal then there’s a high chance the other car is.”
“More cars should be checked”
Lando Norris reflects on the Austin disqualifications and admits he hopes more cars were checked 👇 pic.twitter.com/huMHZvSbfW
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 26, 2023
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Charles Leclerc echoed a sense of resignation, saying, “Of course, it hurts but rules are rules,” and added, “We’re talking about such tiny numbers that a kerb hit in a bad way could have made the difference. It is very fine, we are speaking about 10ths of mm.”
“Rules are rules, we had to be disqualified” 😕
Charles Leclerc says although it was frustrating, he understood why he faced a disqualification after the Austin GP 👇 pic.twitter.com/1fZ0oGLBya
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 26, 2023
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With Leclerc’s graceful acknowledgment and Lando Norris calling for more consistent checks, the ball is now in the FIA’s court. The racing community will be watching closely to see if any adjustments in procedures emerge. And yes, buckle up, fans! If F1 pundit Albert Fabrega’s predictions are anything to go by, this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix promises to be a nail-biter, where similar concerns could be raised.
READ MORE: “I Was Devastated”: Lewis Hamilton Blasts the FIA as Double Standards Legitimize Daylight Robbery
Mexican GP promises a hot battle
Red Bull might be sipping on their energy drinks with a hint of worry. Why? Fabrega recently spilled the beans on social media, revealing that the Mexican GP race pace simulations indicate Mercedes is trailing just by a cat’s whisker – a tenth of a second, to be precise.
Tweeting out to his legion of followers, Fabrega detailed:
El simulador dice que el ritmo de carrera de México será:
MexicanGP race pace simulation prediction is:
Red Bull
Mercedes +0,1
McLaren +0,2
Ferrari +0,2
Alpine +0,4
Alpha Tauri +0,6
Alfa Romeo +0,6
Aston Martin +0,7
Haas +1
Williams +1,1— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) October 25, 2023
What’s more intriguing is the virtual neck-and-neck race pace of McLaren and Ferrari, both lagging by only two-tenths of a second. And let’s not discount Alpine and AlphaTauri, with a minimal deficit of 0.4s and 0.6s respectively.
So, as teams gear up to dance with the Mexican tarmac, and fans around the world set up their viewing parties – it’s clear – the Mexican GP will be one for the books. The question now remains, who’ll be the ‘Speedy Gonzalez’ come race day? Stay tuned, amigos!
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