Source: REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
[Saba Sports News] The 2024 Belgian Grand Prix in Formula 1 has come to an end, but the determination of the ultimate champion went through twists and turns. Although George Russell of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team crossed the finish line first, unfortunately, his result was canceled due to a post-race inspection that revealed a violation of regulations. As a result, his teammate Lewis Hamilton became the substitute and won the championship of the race. It was found during the post-race inspection that Russell’s car weighed 796.5 kilograms, which was below the minimum requirement of 798.0 kilograms. His result was canceled due to not meeting the minimum weight requirement. After the race, Andrew Shovlin, the Trackside Engineering Director of Mercedes, admitted that it was the team’s mistake and responsibility. Some fans speculated that because Russell completed the race with a one-stop strategy, the wear on his tires was significant. The Spa circuit has a long lap, so the Belgian Grand Prix is the only race of the year that does not have a post-race lap. All cars exit directly from the pit lane, depriving drivers of the opportunity to collect rubber debris from the track side known as “marbles.” Can collecting “marbles” alone add 1.5 kilograms of weight? With four tires available to collect rubber debris, one tire with 375 grams is sufficient. Theoretically, this method is feasible.