Breaking news: Further FIA inspections for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari confirmed after c….readmore
The FIA has confirmed that further inspections will be carried out on the cars of Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari following the controversy surrounding the Chinese Grand Prix. Both Ferrari drivers, Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, were subjected to additional checks ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, as confirmed in an official statement from the governing body.
Following the post-race scrutiny at the Chinese GP, both drivers were disqualified from the results. Leclerc’s car was found to be underweight, while Hamilton’s Ferrari was discovered to have excessive wear on the rear skid block. As a result, their respective fifth and sixth-place finishes were nullified, leaving both drivers without points from the race.
Leclerc, who initially crossed the line in fifth, and Hamilton, who finished sixth, were both stripped of their positions after the technical violations were identified during the mandatory post-race inspections. The disqualifications have significantly impacted Ferrari’s standing in the Constructors’ Championship, with the team now sitting in fifth place with just 17 points.
The controversy stemmed from discrepancies between the official weight measurements and the condition of the cars post-race. The underweight issue with Leclerc’s car meant it did not comply with the minimum weight requirements outlined in the regulations. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s car was found to have suffered undue wear on the rear skid block, which is a key component of the car’s underside, contributing to its performance and safety.
This is not the first time Ferrari has been under scrutiny for technical infringements, and the latest incident adds to the pressure the team is facing this season. Ferrari’s management and engineers are expected to carefully review the findings and ensure their cars comply with all FIA regulations moving forward.
With these disqualifications, both Hamilton and Leclerc lost valuable points that could have contributed to their respective championship hopes. As the team prepares for the Japanese Grand Prix, Ferrari will need to regroup and ensure that such issues are avoided in the future to regain momentum in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
The developments highlight the importance of strict adherence to technical regulations in Formula 1, where even minor infractions can lead to severe consequences, as demonstrated by the Chinese GP incident.
