In arguably Mercedes’ most competitive showing of the season, Hamilton enjoyed stellar race pace during the final stint to close to within 2.25 seconds of eventual winner Max Verstappen.
Leclerc, meanwhile, suffered as a result of Ferrari’s decision to attempt a one-stop strategy to leave him vulnerable in the closing stages as he dropped to sixth place.
But both drivers have now been referred to the FIA stewards after their cars were found to fail compliance checks governing the skid blocks.
The two drivers are potentially in breach of Article 3.5.9 e) of the 2023 Formula 1 technical regulations.
This section reads: “The thickness of the plank assembly measured normal to the lower surface must be 10mm [plus or minus] 0.2mm and must be uniform when new.
“A minimum thickness of 9mm will be accepted due to wear, and conformity to this provision will be checked at the peripheries of the designated holes.”
More to follow
Source: Autosport