Bortoleto disqualified from Miami Sprint race due to technical breach

During the standard technical checks the pressure within Bortoleto’s car was found to have exceeded the maximum limit of 4.8 barA which is a breach of Article C5.3.2 of the FIA F1 Technical Regulations. This incident was noted by FIA Formula 1 Technical Delegate Jo Bauer and later it was sent to the stewards who handed out the disqualification.

The relevant section of the technical rulebook says that the engine intake air pressure must be less than 4.8 barA at all times and that the pressure is measured by two FIA approved and sealed devices through which all air destined for combustion must flow. These devices must be installed in FIA approved locations situated in the engine intake air system downstream of the charge air cooling system. 

The decision document says that the limit was exceeded only in one lap when the temperatures rose higher than they had expected. As soon as that became apparent, the team took steps to bring the pressure back in line with the regulations.

Overall, the Sprint Race was challenging for Audi as Nico Hulkenberg’s car caught on fire during the reconnaissance laps.