New Theory Emerges Regarding Lewis Hamilton’s DSQ After Vasseur Ad…read more
A new theory has emerged regarding Lewis Hamilton’s recent disqualification (DSQ) at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, with some suggesting that it could be linked to his inability to complete a race simulation during pre-season testing in Bahrain. The theory has gained attention following comments from Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, sparking further speculation about a potential connection between the issue and Hamilton’s DSQ.
Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc both faced disqualifications after the race in Shanghai. Leclerc was excluded due to a fuel irregularity, while Hamilton’s DSQ stemmed from excessive wear on the skid blocks of his SF-25 car. This marked Hamilton’s second disqualification for the same issue in just 18 months, as he was also excluded from the 2023 United States Grand Prix for excessive wear on his skid blocks. This latest disqualification has raised eyebrows, especially considering the context surrounding Hamilton’s performance and Ferrari’s ongoing technical issues.
Hamilton and Leclerc both finished in the top ten in the Chinese Grand Prix, with Hamilton securing his first-ever win for Ferrari by taking pole position and converting it into victory in the Saturday sprint race. However, the main race proved to be a much tougher challenge for Hamilton, who struggled to maintain pace against Leclerc despite the latter’s front-wing damage. At one point, Hamilton even suggested swapping positions with Leclerc, as he found himself lacking in race pace.
The Chinese GP was Hamilton’s first full race distance as a Ferrari driver, following a rain-affected Australian Grand Prix. According to Sky F1 reporter Ted Kravitz, Hamilton had intended to complete a race simulation on the final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, but his run was cut short due to a technical problem with his car’s hydraulics. Kravitz speculated that this lack of a race simulation may have contributed to the issues Hamilton faced during the Chinese Grand Prix, as it may have prevented Ferrari from discovering potential problems with the ride height of the SF-25 car.
During a chat with Vasseur, Kravitz revealed that the Ferrari team principal mentioned two crucial points. First, Vasseur acknowledged that Hamilton’s performance in Melbourne had been affected by the lack of a proper race simulation in Bahrain. This technical issue prevented Hamilton from fully understanding the behavior of the car during a race distance, which could have compromised his race setup and strategy.
Additionally, Vasseur explained that Hamilton’s team radio communications during the Australian Grand Prix had been misinterpreted. Despite the awkward exchanges, Vasseur insisted that there were no underlying issues with the communication between Hamilton and his race engineer, dismissing the idea that it was a problem.
Kravitz also pointed out the potential link between the excessive wear of Hamilton’s skid blocks and the failure to complete the race simulation. The DSQ in China, coming after the first dry race of the season, seemed to highlight a possible flaw that could have been detected during the Bahrain test. Kravitz suggested that this issue might have carried over from the lack of a proper race simulation in pre-season testing.
The issue with Ferrari’s ride height was also observed in Australia. Reports from Italy suggested that Ferrari had discovered the car was running too close to the ground after Leclerc set the fastest time in the second free practice session in Melbourne. Fearing potential disqualification due to excessive skid block wear, the team made the decision to raise the ride height for the remainder of the weekend, but this adjustment left the SF-25 in a compromised state. As a result, both Hamilton and Leclerc suffered poor performances, qualifying seventh and eighth before finishing in ninth and tenth positions on race day.
With the double disqualification in China, Ferrari’s Constructors’ Championship standings took a hit. The team now sits in fifth place, level on points with Williams, and 61 points behind the dominant McLaren squad, which currently leads the championship. The struggles of Ferrari and the technical issues surrounding the SF-25 have raised concerns about their competitiveness as the season progresses, leaving many to question whether these issues will be resolved in time for the next round of the championship.
In conclusion, Hamilton’s recent disqualification in China may have deeper roots linked to Ferrari’s pre-season testing struggles and technical difficulties. As the team looks to address these concerns, Hamilton and Ferrari will undoubtedly be hoping for a stronger performance in the upcoming races to recover from these setbacks.
