F1 NEWS:FIA Announce Disqualification Verdict for Three F1 Drivers at C…read more
F1 NEWS:FIA Announce Disqualification Verdict for Three F1 Drivers at C…read more
The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix concluded with unexpected controversy as the FIA disqualified three drivers Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly for technical regulation breaches. These penalties led to significant changes in the final race standings and had major implications for the Constructors’ Championship.
Ferrari’s Double Disqualification
Ferrari faced a major setback as both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified for separate rule violations. Hamilton’s car was found to have excessive skid block wear, which was discovered during post-race scrutineering. The FIA determined that the plank assembly of his Ferrari fell below the minimum thickness of 9mm, missing the requirement by just 0.4mm. This breach of Article 3.5.9 of the FIA Technical Regulations resulted in his exclusion from the final race classification.
Meanwhile, Leclerc’s disqualification stemmed from a different infraction—his Ferrari was found to be underweight. The FIA mandates a minimum car weight of 800kg, but Leclerc’s vehicle weighed in at 799kg, violating Article 4.1 of the regulations. This minor discrepancy was enough to warrant his exclusion from the results, further compounding Ferrari’s woes.
Pierre Gasly Also Penalized
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was the third driver to be disqualified from the race after his car was also found to be under the 800kg minimum weight limit. Like Leclerc, Gasly’s machine weighed in at 799kg, leading to his removal from the final standings. This decision cost Alpine a potential points-scoring finish, adding to their struggles early in the season.
Impact on the Race Results
These disqualifications had a dramatic effect on the race standings. Ferrari, which had initially earned 18 points from Leclerc’s fifth-place finish and Hamilton’s sixth-place result, saw those points completely erased. This setback dealt a blow to their early-season championship aspirations, as the team left Shanghai empty-handed.
With Hamilton, Leclerc, and Gasly removed from the classification, McLaren celebrated a historic achievement. Oscar Piastri was confirmed as the race winner, securing his third career Formula 1 victory. His teammate, Lando Norris, finished second despite battling brake issues, marking McLaren’s 50th one-two finish in F1 history. The revised standings also saw Mercedes’ George Russell promoted to third place, allowing the Silver Arrows to claim a podium finish.
FIA’s Commitment to Regulation Enforcement
The FIA’s swift action in disqualifying multiple drivers underscores their strict approach to enforcing technical compliance in Formula 1. With such small margins making the difference between legality and disqualification, teams are under immense pressure to ensure their cars meet all regulatory requirements. The ruling also serves as a reminder that even minor deviations from the technical regulations can have major consequences on race outcomes and championship standings.
As the season progresses, Ferrari and Alpine will now have to regroup and ensure no further rule breaches hinder their campaigns, while McLaren capitalizes on this unexpected boost in their quest for championship success.
