In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, Ferrari found itself reeling from a double disqualification of its star drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Following a promising start to the race weekend, where Hamilton clinched victory in the sprint race, both drivers faced severe penalties after post-race inspections revealed technical regulations violations.
Ferrari's struggles became clear on March 23, when it was announced that Leclerc had been found to be underweight by 1 kg, and Hamilton's car displayed excessive wear on its rear skid block, measuring just 8.5mm to 8.6mm, deviating from the minimum 9mm thickness mandated by regulations. This unexpected double disqualification marked a historic and embarrassing moment for the Scuderia, as it was the first time in Formula 1 history that both Ferrari cars were disqualified from a grand prix.
The disqualifications took place after the race at Shanghai International Circuit, where Hamilton finished sixth and Leclerc fifth. Initially, it seemed like a solid haul of points for Ferrari. However, post-race scrutineering conducted by the FIA revealed significant infractions, which the team expressed regret over. In an official statement, Ferrari said, "Following the FIA post-race scrutineering, both our cars were found not to conform to the regulations for different reasons. Charles was on a one-stop strategy today, and this meant his tyre wear was very high, causing the car to be underweight. With regard to Lewis’ skid wear, we misjudged the consumption by a small margin. There was no intention to gain any advantage." The team recognized the gravity of the situation and committed to avoiding similar mistakes in the future.
The repercussions of this disqualification were immediate and significant, with Ferrari losing a total of 18 points in the Constructors' Championship as a result. Furthermore, this allowed other drivers to move up in the rankings. Esteban Ocon, who initially finished seventh, was promoted to fifth, while Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, and Ollie Bearman moved up positions as well. Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz, among others, also found themselves unexpectedly earning points.
Ferrari's conclusion was echoed by the FIA in their statement regarding the disqualifications. They confirmed that both Hamilton and Leclerc's violations were clear breaches of technical regulations, with no mitigating circumstances offered by the team during the stewards' hearings. "During the hearing, the team representative confirmed that the measurement is correct and that all required procedures were performed correctly," the FIA report stated.
In a competitive sport like Formula 1, technical compliance is critical, and teams are expected to maintain rigorous adherence to precise regulations. This incident serves as a stark reminder of that. Leclerc’s underweight issue stemmed from reported tire wear on a one-stop race strategy, while Hamilton’s car faced scrutiny for the wear of its rearward skid block. The team now must reassess their approach moving forward to avert comparable setbacks.
The impact of these disqualifications extends beyond immediate race results. For fans, the disheartened response reflects a broader concern regarding Ferrari's performance this season, particularly given their high ambitions and previous podium finishes. The team retains a loyal fan base, eagerly anticipating improvements and stronger showings at future Grand Prix events.
This double disqualification resonates particularly in light of Hamilton’s previous disqualifications where he was penalized under similar circumstances, notably for excessive wear during the 2009 Australian Grand Prix and the 2023 United States Grand Prix. Both scenarios serve as learning experiences, not just for Hamilton but for the entire team, reinforcing the importance of compliance with the regulations.
As they regroup and plan for the next race, the focus for Ferrari will undoubtedly shift to enhancing their technical oversight and competitive strategy. The hope is to restore their standing in this fiercely competitive season, and their commitment to accountability suggests they are prepared to face the challenges ahead.
