In a stunning turn of events at the Chinese Grand Prix, Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have been disqualified following post-race inspections by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). This development has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, as both drivers had initially secured top-six finishes.
Details of the Disqualifications
The FIA’s technical inspections revealed that Leclerc’s car was underweight by one kilogram, while Hamilton’s car exhibited excessive skid block wear, measuring 0.5 millimeters below the permissible limit. Specifically, Leclerc’s vehicle weighed 799 kilograms, falling short of the 800-kilogram minimum requirement. Hamilton’s skid block wear was measured at 8.5 millimeters, below the mandated 9-millimeter threshold.
Ferrari’s Response
In response to the disqualifications, Ferrari issued a statement acknowledging the infractions:
“Following the FIA post-race scrutineering, both our cars were found not to conform to the regulations for different reasons. Car 16 [Leclerc] was found to be underweight by 1 kg, and car 44’s [Hamilton’s] rearward skid wear was found to be 0.5 mm below the limit.”
The team further elaborated that Leclerc’s one-stop strategy led to higher tire wear, contributing to the car’s underweight condition. Regarding Hamilton’s skid wear, Ferrari admitted to a slight miscalculation in consumption, emphasizing that there was no intent to gain an unfair advantage.
Impact on the Championship Standings
The disqualifications have significantly altered the race results and championship standings. Both drivers lost their respective fifth and sixth-place finishes, resulting in a loss of 18 points for Ferrari. Beneficiaries of this development include Haas’ Esteban Ocon, who moved up to fifth place, and Williams’ Carlos Sainz, who secured the tenth spot, earning his first point of the season. motorsport.com
Looking Ahead
This incident underscores the critical importance of adherence to technical regulations in Formula 1. As teams prepare for the upcoming races, the focus will undoubtedly be on ensuring compliance to avoid similar setbacks. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Ferrari addresses these challenges and strategizes for future competitions.
The disqualifications of Hamilton and Leclerc serve as a stark reminder of the fine margins that define success and failure in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing.
