Formula 1: Hamilton Ousted from Chinese GP as Ferrari Faces Dual Disqualification
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Synopsis
Lewis Hamilton has been disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix due to a technical infraction concerning the thickness of the rear skid block on his Ferrari. This resulted in a double disqualification for Ferrari, as Charles Leclerc was also disqualified for a weight violation.
Key Takeaways
- Hamilton disqualified for skid block thickness violation.
- Leclerc disqualified for car weight infringement.
- Ferrari faces a dual disqualification setback.
- Alpine's Gasly also disqualified for similar reasons.
- Other drivers benefit from Ferrari's penalties.
Shanghai, March 23 (NationPress) Lewis Hamilton has been ousted from the Chinese Grand Prix after the rear skid block on his Ferrari was determined to be below the minimum thickness required by the technical regulations. Consequently, both of the team's drivers have seen their results annulled, as Charles Leclerc was also disqualified for a breach regarding car weight.
Following his victory in the Sprint on Saturday, Hamilton encountered a more difficult day at the Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday. The seven-time World Champion made contact with Leclerc on Lap 1 and struggled to maintain the pace of his competitors, finishing in P6.
However, after the race, a Technical Delegate's report indicated that when Hamilton's car's skid wear was assessed following the Grand Prix, the rearmost skid was found to be under the minimum 9mm thickness required, prompting a referral to the stewards.
Hamilton and a team representative were summoned to the stewards, and following the hearing, it was revealed that the Briton had been disqualified from the results of Sunday's race.
A document released post-hearing stated: “The plank assembly of Car 44 was measured and found to be 8.6mm (LHS), 8.6mm (car centerline), and 8.5mm (RHS). This is below the minimum thickness of 9mm specified under Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations.
“During the hearing, the team representative confirmed the measurements were accurate and all necessary procedures were followed correctly. The team also acknowledged the absence of mitigating circumstances, admitting it was a genuine error,” he stated.
“The Stewards determined that Article 3.5.9 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations was breached, thus necessitating the standard penalty of disqualification for such an infringement.”
This incident signals a disastrous conclusion for Ferrari, as Leclerc also faced a post-race disqualification from P5 after his car was found to be below the minimum weight mandated by the technical regulations.
Similar to Hamilton, Leclerc and a team representative were called to the stewards after a Technical Delegate's report indicated that Leclerc's SF-25 was 1kg under the minimum weight, and it was later confirmed that the Monegasque had been disqualified.
Additionally, Alpine's Pierre Gasly also faced disqualification for the same weight breach as Leclerc, leaving the Enstone team as the only squad yet to score points in 2025.
The dual disqualification for Ferrari means that Esteban Ocon, Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, and Ollie Bearman, who finished in seventh through tenth respectively, are now elevated by two positions. Meanwhile, Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz also earn points by moving into the top ten, as Gasly has also been disqualified from P11.
