BREAKING; FIA Double Disqualification for Lewis Hamilton After…read more
FIA Double Disqualification Still Haunting Hamilton and Ferrari After Chinese GP Setback
The fallout from Ferrari’s double disqualification at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix continues to send shockwaves through the paddock, with Lewis Hamilton now feeling the long-term effects of the scandal. As reported by Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz, the disqualification has not only cost the team crucial points but may have triggered a fundamental performance compromise—particularly affecting the seven-time world champion.
Ferrari had appeared to be on the rebound in Shanghai, with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc delivering strong performances that hinted at a resurgence for the Italian squad. However, that optimism was shattered when post-race FIA inspections found both cars in violation of technical regulations—specifically underweight issues and excessive plank wear, a serious breach in Formula 1’s rulebook.
The resulting double disqualification wiped away all points from the event, prompting public backlash and internal scrutiny. Ferrari issued a swift apology and launched an internal investigation, vowing to strengthen quality control measures. But the deeper impact, according to insiders, has been on car performance—and driver confidence.
Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Kravitz revealed that Ferrari likely reacted to the disqualification by raising the car’s ride height, a precautionary measure to ensure legal plank wear in future races.
“It’s the simplest way to guarantee compliance, but it’s also a performance hit,” Kravitz explained. “They’ve essentially pulled back the car’s potential just to stay on the safe side.”
In F1, ride height is critical: lower setups enhance aerodynamics and increase downforce, shaving precious time off laps. However, setting the car too low increases the risk of violating the plank wear rule something Ferrari is now wary of repeating.
Hamilton has since acknowledged a noticeable dip in performance following the Chinese GP. Despite his tireless efforts and sharp racecraft, the results haven’t reflected his typical level of competitiveness.
“It’s like I’m not connected to the car anymore,” Hamilton admitted in a recent interview. “Something changed after Shanghai, and we haven’t quite figured it out.”
Kravitz believes this setup shift may be the root cause:
“They’re now in a mode where avoiding another disqualification is more important than chasing outright pace—and it’s showing in both drivers’ results.”
As the 2025 season unfolds, Ferrari faces the challenge of reclaiming lost performance without falling afoul of FIA regulations again. For Hamilton, the goal remains clear: rediscover the speed, restore confidence, and return to the front of the grid.
