Ocon disqualified from Azerbaijan GP Qualifying over technical breach

Esteban Ocon has been disqualified from Saturday’s Qualifying session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after it was deemed that his Haas car had breached F1’s Technical Regulations.

After dropping out in the first Q1 phase in 18th position, Ocon and Haas were summoned to see the stewards over an alleged breach of Article 3.15.17 of the FIA Technical Regulations – relating to the rear wing main plane tip deflection test.

According to a note issued by FIA F1 Technical Delegate Jo Bauer, the deflection figures measured on Ocon’s rear wing during post-session checks exceeded the allowed deflection of 0.5mm.

As is the usual outcome with such a technical violation, a follow up from the stewards later confirmed that Ocon had been disqualified from the session.

“The FIA representatives described the test procedure used and reported that the distance between the two sections of RV-RW-PROFILES and RV-RW-TIP inboard of Y=525 varied by more than the permitted 0.5mm (0.6mm on the left side and 0.825mm on the right side,” read the stewards’ decision document.

“The calibration of the measuring instrument was verified and valid.

“The team conceded that the test procedure as outlined in the regulations had been followed and explained that the discrepancy was a result of a problem with the production of the assembly of this specific part.

“The stewards determine that the vehicle does not comply with the regulations and hence impose the usual penalty of disqualification from the Qualifying classifications.”