F1 Results Today: Lando Norris Beaten as FIA Disqualifies…read more
Lando Norris Beaten as FIA Disqualifies Three Drivers at Chinese Grand Prix
Oscar Piastri claimed a dominant victory at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, leading from pole position to secure his third career win in Formula 1. The McLaren driver delivered a flawless performance at the Shanghai International Circuit, controlling the race from start to finish. However, the drama unfolded after the chequered flag as three drivers were disqualified following post-race inspections.
FIA Disqualifies Three Drivers After Post-Race Scrutineering
In a major shake-up to the final race classification, Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly were disqualified after their cars were found to be underweight. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton was also removed from the results due to excessive skid block wear—a violation similar to the one that led to his disqualification at the 2023 US Grand Prix.
The disqualifications dramatically altered the points standings, with several midfield drivers benefitting from the revised order.
Lando Norris Holds Off George Russell Despite Late Brake Issue
While Piastri cruised to victory, his McLaren teammate Lando Norris spent most of the race fending off Mercedes’ George Russell. Norris initially held third place comfortably, keeping both Ferraris of Leclerc and Hamilton behind him. However, in the closing laps, he suffered from a brake pedal issue, which caused him to lose four to five seconds per lap. Despite the setback, Norris managed to hold off Russell and secure a McLaren one-two finish.
Max Verstappen’s Recovery and Strategy Gamble for Ferrari
At the start, both Leclerc and Hamilton overtook Max Verstappen into the first corner, with Ferrari seemingly in control of their race. However, Hamilton opted for an off-sync two-stop strategy, banking on excessive tyre degradation for the one-stop runners a gamble that ultimately didn’t pay off.
Verstappen gradually recovered and eventually overtook Leclerc for fourth place with only a few laps remaining. The Red Bull driver’s performance was enough to return him to the position where he had started the race.
Revised Standings: Stroll and Sainz Move into the Points
With the disqualifications of Leclerc, Hamilton, and Gasly, several midfield drivers capitalized on their misfortune. Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz, who had originally finished 12th and 13th, moved up to claim ninth and tenth place, respectively, adding crucial points to their teams’ campaigns.
Struggles Continue for Lawson and Doohan
Further down the order, Liam Lawson and Jack Doohan endured another difficult weekend. Doohan, under pressure to retain his seat, picked up a second penalty in as many days for a collision with Isack Hadjar, dropping him further down the standings. His penalty also meant that Lawson was classified ahead of him, though both drivers finished near the back of the pack.
Doohan’s ongoing struggles have intensified speculation about his future, with increasing calls for Red Bull to replace him with Gabriel Bortoleto.
With the FIA’s post-race penalties shaking up the standings, McLaren celebrated their 50th one-two finish in F1 history, while Ferrari left Shanghai empty-handed. As the championship battle continues, teams will now shift their focus to the next race, where they hope to bounce back from a dramatic weekend in China.
