Hamilton faces disqualification from the Chinese Grand Prix

Following his sixth-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix, seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton is facing a disqualification after failing post-race technical inspections.

Having set the pace in the Shanghai F1 Sprint and secured his maiden victory with Ferrari in the 100km dash, Hamilton endured a more difficult main qualifying session in which he only grabbed fifth place for the Chinese Grand Prix.

The Briton was expected to build on his great tyre management from the sprint race, but he struggled in the 56-lap race, and was forced to perform a second pit stop while his rivals completed the race distance with a single stop. The seven-time F1 champion ended up sixth in his second race with the Maranello-based outfit.

However, Hamilton is now facing a possible disqualification from the Chinese Grand Prix after his car was deemed to have excessive skid wear, the rearmost skid falling foul of the 9mm minimum mandated by the technical regulations.

FIA's statement read: "The rearmost skid was measured according to the team’s legality documents submission in accordance with TD039 L, item 1.2 b) i). Measurements were taken along the stiffness compliant area at three different points of the periphery (inner arc).

"The recorded measurement were 8.6 mm (LHS), 8.6 mm (car centerline) and 8.5 mm (RHS). As this is less than the 9 mm minimum thickness required by TR Article 3.5.9 e), I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration."