FIA announce disqualification verdict for Hamilton and THREE F1 drivers at Chinese GP with official statement that…read more
In a significant turn of events at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) disqualified three prominent Formula 1 drivers—Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly—following post-race inspections that uncovered technical infringements. These disqualifications have notably altered the race results and impacted the championship standings.
Race Overview
The race, held at the Shanghai International Circuit, commenced with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri on pole position. Piastri maintained his lead from the start, showcasing exceptional pace and control throughout the 56-lap event. His teammate, Lando Norris, started strong but encountered brake issues that compromised his performance. Despite these challenges, Norris managed to secure a second-place finish, marking McLaren’s 50th one-two finish in its storied history. Mercedes’ George Russell completed the podium, delivering a solid performance to claim third place.
Ferrari’s Internal Clash
Early in the race, Ferrari faced internal turmoil when teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc made contact. The incident occurred as both drivers vied for position, resulting in damage to Leclerc’s front wing. This collision not only affected their individual performances but also had broader implications for the team’s strategy and morale.
Post-Race Disqualifications
Following the conclusion of the race, FIA officials conducted standard technical inspections, which led to the disqualification of three drivers:
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): Hamilton, who had initially finished sixth, was disqualified due to excessive skid block wear. The skid block, or plank, is a mandated component designed to limit underbody aerodynamic advantages by enforcing a minimum ride height. Regulations require the plank to maintain a minimum thickness; however, Hamilton’s car failed to meet this specification, leading to his disqualification.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): Leclerc, who had finished fifth, was disqualified after his car was found to be under the minimum weight requirement. Formula 1 regulations stipulate a minimum car weight of 800 kilograms, excluding fuel. Leclerc’s vehicle weighed in at 799 kilograms post-race, resulting in his exclusion from the final standings.
Pierre Gasly (Alpine): Gasly, who had crossed the line in 11th place, faced disqualification for a similar infraction as Leclerc. His car also failed to meet the minimum weight requirement, tipping the scales at 799 kilograms.
Implications for Ferrari
The double disqualification of Hamilton and Leclerc has dealt a significant blow to Ferrari. The team was poised to collect 18 points from Leclerc’s fifth-place finish and Hamilton’s sixth-place result. However, the loss of these points has adversely affected their position in the Constructors’ Championship, underscoring the critical importance of adhering to technical regulations.
Beneficiaries of the Disqualifications
The removal of Hamilton, Leclerc, and Gasly from the results led to a reshuffling of the final standings, benefiting several drivers:
Esteban Ocon (Haas): Originally finishing seventh, Ocon was promoted to fifth place, earning valuable points for the Haas team.
Oliver Bearman (Haas): Bearman moved up to eighth place, securing four championship points.
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin): Stroll advanced to ninth place, adding two points to his season tally.
Carlos Sainz Jr. (Williams): Sainz climbed into the top ten, claiming the final point available.
McLaren’s Milestone
Amid the post-race controversies, McLaren celebrated a historic achievement. Oscar Piastri’s commanding drive to victory, coupled with Lando Norris’s resilient second-place finish despite brake issues, marked the team’s 50th one-two finish in Formula 1. This milestone reflects McLaren’s enduring competitiveness and strategic prowess in the sport.
Driver Reactions
The disqualifications elicited a range of reactions from the drivers involved:
Lewis Hamilton: Expressed disappointment over the technical oversight but remained optimistic about the team’s prospects in upcoming races.
Charles Leclerc: Acknowledged the team’s responsibility for the infraction and emphasized the need for meticulous attention to regulatory compliance.
Pierre Gasly: Voiced frustration over the disqualification but committed to working closely with his team to prevent future occurrences.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix will be remembered not only for McLaren’s landmark achievement but also for the critical lessons in regulatory adherence it underscored. Teams are likely to intensify their focus on compliance to avoid similar setbacks in future races. As the season progresses, the championship dynamics continue to evolve, with each race presenting new challenges and opportunities for the teams and drivers.
In conclusion, the disqualifications at the Chinese Grand Prix have had a profound impact on the championship landscape. They serve as a stark reminder of the stringent technical standards in Formula 1 and the significant consequences of non-compliance. Teams must navigate the delicate balance between performance optimization and regulatory adherence to achieve success in this highly competitive sport.
