Charles Leclerc makes astonishing Ferrari claim after…read more
In the aftermath of the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc expressed confidence that, had it not been for an early-race incident resulting in front wing damage, he could have contended with McLaren for the victory. Leclerc’s race was compromised on the opening lap due to contact with his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, which led to the loss of the left-front endplate on his SF-25. Despite the damage, Leclerc opted against pitting for repairs, choosing instead to persevere with the compromised aerodynamics.
Throughout the race, Leclerc demonstrated commendable pace, managing to remain competitive even with the impaired front wing. There were instances where Hamilton facilitated Leclerc’s progression by allowing him to pass, highlighting the team’s collaborative efforts. Leclerc ultimately crossed the finish line in fifth place. However, post-race inspections revealed that his car was underweight by 1 kilogram, leading to his disqualification. This disqualification was particularly significant as it prevented Leclerc from surpassing Sebastian Vettel as Ferrari’s all-time points leader.
Lewis Hamilton also faced disqualification after his car failed a skid block wear test, with the skid block found to be 0.5mm below the minimum thickness required by regulations. These disqualifications marked a historic low for Ferrari, representing the team’s first-ever double disqualification in its 75-year history. The penalties resulted in a loss of 18 points, further hindering Ferrari’s position in the Constructors’ standings.
Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, acknowledged the team’s errors, describing them as genuine mistakes without mitigating circumstances. He emphasized the need for the team to understand the root causes of these infractions and to address performance inconsistencies to remain competitive in the championship. Vasseur, known for his stable management approach, aims to avoid internal blame and maintain team unity as they prepare for the next race in Japan.
The disqualifications also had broader implications for the race results. Oscar Piastri secured victory for McLaren, leading a one-two finish with teammate Lando Norris. George Russell of Mercedes completed the podium in third place. Other drivers benefited from the reshuffled standings, with Esteban Ocon finishing fifth for Haas and rookie Oliver Bearman securing points in eighth place.
This incident underscores the stringent technical regulations in Formula One and the critical importance of compliance. It also highlights the challenges teams face in balancing performance with adherence to technical standards. As Ferrari regroups, the focus will be on rectifying these issues to prevent future occurrences and to reclaim their competitive edge in the championship.
