F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton hits out as Ferrari star DISQUALIFIED fr….read more
In a dramatic turn of events following the Chinese Grand Prix, Formula 1 has been rocked by the disqualification of three drivers, one of whom is the legendary seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton. The FIA’s decision has sent shockwaves through the paddock, as Hamilton, along with two other high-profile drivers, was stripped of his race result due to regulatory infringements.
The ruling comes after thorough post-race inspections uncovered irregularities that contravened the strict technical regulations set by the FIA. These findings led to swift disqualifications, significantly altering the final standings of the Chinese Grand Prix. Among those affected is a leading Ferrari driver, who was also handed a disqualification, adding fuel to the ongoing tension within the sport.
Hamilton, who has never shied away from speaking his mind, expressed his frustration over the FIA’s decision. The Mercedes driver was vocal about what he sees as inconsistency in how the rules are applied. Hamilton, who had been hoping for a strong result to boost what has been a challenging season so far, did not hold back in his criticism. He argued that such harsh penalties detract from the competitive spirit of Formula 1 and questioned why certain technicalities are enforced so strictly, especially when they have minimal impact on overall performance.
Ferrari, equally stunned by the FIA’s verdict, has been left reeling after one of their key drivers was removed from the final classification. The team, who had shown competitive pace throughout the weekend, is said to be considering an appeal. Insiders suggest Ferrari believes the disqualification was disproportionate and that the irregularity flagged by FIA inspectors could have been resolved without resorting to such severe action. This latest controversy comes at a time when Ferrari has been steadily closing the gap to Red Bull, with their drivers frequently challenging for podium finishes.
The FIA, on their part, defended the disqualifications by reiterating their commitment to maintaining a level playing field. A statement released by the governing body emphasized the importance of adhering to the technical rulebook, stating that no team or driver is exempt from the regulations. They stressed that inspections are conducted uniformly and that any discovered breaches must be dealt with according to the rulebook.
The disqualifications have reshuffled the Chinese Grand Prix results, affecting not only the drivers directly involved but also the championship standings. Rival teams have gained unexpected points, while the drivers who were penalized face an uphill battle to recover in the upcoming races.
As the Formula 1 circus prepares for the next round, the paddock is buzzing with debate over whether the FIA’s decision was justified. The incident has reignited discussions around the consistency and transparency of race stewards and technical inspections, with many teams urging for clearer guidelines to avoid similar situations in the future.
Hamilton and Ferrari will now be looking ahead to the next race, hoping to rebound from this setback and reassert their positions in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.