BREAKING: FIA Strips Hamilton of Chinese Grand Prix Points in Major Technical Blow… read more
FIA Strips Hamilton of Chinese Grand Prix Points in Major Technical Blow
The FIA has delivered its final verdict on Lewis Hamilton following the Chinese Grand Prix, resulting in a significant blow to the seven-time world champion and his new team, Ferrari. In a dramatic post-race development on March 23, 2025, Hamilton was disqualified from the results of the Shanghai event due to a technical infringement involving excessive wear on his car’s rear skid block (also known as the plank).
The disqualification came after post-race scrutineering checks revealed that the plank assembly on Hamilton’s Ferrari (car number 44) measured below the mandatory minimum thickness. Specifically, the FIA technical delegates reported readings of 8.6mm on the left-hand side, 8.6mm at the centerline, and 8.5mm on the right-hand side falling short of the required 9mm as stipulated in Article 3.5.9 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations.
This breach triggered the standard penalty for such infractions: outright disqualification from the race results. Hamilton, who had crossed the finish line in sixth position during the main Grand Prix, lost all points he would have earned from that finish (originally eight points). The decision was confirmed following a hearing with Hamilton and Ferrari representatives, where the stewards determined no mitigating circumstances applied, enforcing the disqualification as per the regulations.
The Chinese Grand Prix weekend had already been turbulent for Ferrari. Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, was also disqualified from the same race for a separate but equally serious issue his car was found to be under the minimum weight limit by one kilogram after fuel drainage. This marked a double disqualification for the Scuderia, a rare and costly setback that erased 18 championship points from the team’s tally (10 from Leclerc’s fifth-place finish and eight from Hamilton’s sixth). Alpine’s Pierre Gasly suffered the same fate for an underweight car, compounding the post-race chaos.
Hamilton’s disqualification echoed a previous high-profile case from the 2023 United States Grand Prix, where both he and Leclerc were similarly excluded for plank wear issues. The plank rule exists to ensure cars maintain sufficient ride height and prevent excessive bottoming out, which could provide unfair aerodynamic advantages or compromise safety.
Despite the penalty, Hamilton’s weekend showed flashes of promise in his second race with Ferrari. He had impressed earlier by securing pole position and winning the Sprint race on Saturday, demonstrating strong pace and adaptation to the red car. In the main Grand Prix, he navigated a chaotic start including a near-miss with Leclerc’s damaged front wing and held his position in the points-scoring places until the post-race bombshell.
Ferrari issued an official statement acknowledging the findings and expressing disappointment while committing to a thorough review of their processes. “We accept the stewards’ decision and will work to ensure full compliance moving forward,” the team noted. Hamilton himself has not yet made extensive public comments on the disqualification, though sources close to the driver indicate frustration over what the team views as an unfortunate but unavoidable wear issue exacerbated by the abrasive Shanghai track surface.
The incident has sparked wider discussion in the F1 paddock about plank wear management, particularly on high-degradation circuits like Shanghai. Teams routinely monitor plank thickness, but unexpected accelerated wear can occur due to factors like kerb strikes, setup choices, or track conditions. Critics argue the rule’s strict enforcement without tolerance for minor deviations can lead to harsh outcomes, while supporters emphasize its role in maintaining fairness and safety.
This verdict arrives at a pivotal time for Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter. After a strong start to his tenure with the Sprint victory, the disqualification tempers optimism heading into the next rounds. It also highlights the razor-thin margins in modern F1, where technical compliance can overshadow on-track performance. Ferrari now turns its focus to upcoming races, aiming to rebound from this setback and challenge for podiums consistently.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Grand Prix victory went to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in dominant fashion, with his teammate Lando Norris securing second for a team one-two. The disqualifications reshuffled the final classification, promoting other drivers up the order. The FIA’s decision underscores the governing body’s unwavering commitment to technical integrity, even when it impacts big names like Hamilton.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on how Ferrari addresses these compliance challenges to unlock the full potential of their driver lineup. For Hamilton, the Chinese GP serves as a stark reminder that in Formula 1, victories on track can quickly be undone off it.
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