BREAKING: FIA Strips Hamilton of Chinese Grand Prix Points in Major Technical Blow… read more
The FIA has handed a major setback to Lewis Hamilton after the Chinese Grand Prix, disqualifying him from the final results due to a technical infringement. The ruling, confirmed on March 23, 2025, stripped the seven-time world champion of a points finish in what was shaping up to be a promising weekend for both him and Ferrari.
The issue emerged during routine post-race scrutineering, where officials discovered excessive wear on the rear skid block—commonly known as the plank—on Hamilton’s car. Measurements taken by FIA technical delegates showed the plank thickness had fallen below the mandated minimum of 9mm. The recorded figures were 8.6mm on the left side, 8.6mm at the centerline, and 8.5mm on the right, clearly breaching Article 3.5.9 of the sport’s technical regulations.
Under Formula 1 rules, such a violation carries an automatic disqualification, leaving no room for time penalties or fines. Despite a hearing involving Hamilton and Ferrari representatives, the stewards found no mitigating circumstances that could justify leniency. As a result, Hamilton—who had finished sixth on track—lost the eight championship points he would have earned.
The development compounded an already disastrous weekend for Ferrari. Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, was also disqualified after his car was found to be underweight by one kilogram following fuel drainage procedures. The double exclusion cost Ferrari a total of 18 valuable points, with Leclerc having originally secured fifth place. Adding to the chaos, Pierre Gasly of Alpine suffered the same fate for a similar underweight infringement.
Hamilton’s disqualification is reminiscent of a similar incident at the 2023 United States Grand Prix, where both he and Leclerc were excluded for excessive plank wear. The regulation is designed to ensure cars maintain proper ride height, preventing excessive bottoming out that could offer aerodynamic advantages or compromise safety.
Despite the setback, there were positive signs for Hamilton during the weekend. The British driver showcased strong pace by securing pole position and going on to win the Sprint race—an early indication of his growing confidence with Ferrari. During the main race, he managed a clean drive through a chaotic opening phase, including a close call involving Leclerc’s damaged front wing, and remained in the points before the post-race decision overturned his result.
In response, Ferrari acknowledged the ruling and expressed disappointment, while pledging to review its processes to avoid future infractions. The team emphasized its commitment to ensuring full compliance with FIA regulations moving forward.
The incident has reignited debate within the paddock over the strict enforcement of plank wear rules, particularly on abrasive circuits like Shanghai. While some argue that even minor deviations should allow for tolerance, others insist that firm regulation is essential to maintain fairness and safety across the grid.
Amid the controversy, Oscar Piastri claimed a dominant victory for McLaren, leading home teammate Lando Norris for an impressive one-two finish. The disqualifications reshuffled the final standings, benefiting several drivers.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Ferrari will need to quickly address these technical shortcomings. For Hamilton, the episode is a clear reminder of Formula 1’s unforgiving nature, where even the smallest regulatory breach can erase hard-earned success on track.
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