In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, Ferrari’s weekend went from triumphant to disastrous as both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified for separate technical breaches. The double disqualification, paired with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly also being excluded, has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock and reshaped the race standings.
Hamilton’s Skid Block Breach Ends Ferrari’s Highs
Lewis Hamilton, who celebrated his first victory for Ferrari in Saturday’s Sprint Race, faced a bitter setback on Sunday. Post-race inspections revealed that the rear skid block on his SF-25 car measured below the FIA’s mandated 9mm thickness. Technical delegates reported measurements of 8.6mm (left and center) and 8.5mm (right), breaching Article 3.5.9 of the F1 Technical Regulations.
Ferrari accepted responsibility during the stewards’ hearing, acknowledging a “genuine error” with no mitigating circumstances. The disqualification erased Hamilton’s P6 finish, capping a challenging Grand Prix where he collided with teammate Leclerc on Lap 1 and struggled for pace.
Leclerc’s Weight Woes Compound Ferrari’s Disaster
Charles Leclerc’s weekend unraveled further when his car was found to be 1kg under the minimum weight requirement. The Monegasque driver, who initially finished fifth, was swiftly disqualified, marking Ferrari’s first double disqualification since the 2023 Brazilian GP. The team now faces intense scrutiny over their technical oversight, with questions arising about potential setup risks taken to maximize performance.
Gasly’s Exclusion Deepens Alpine’s 2025 Struggles
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly also fell foul of post-race checks, with his car likewise under the minimum weight. The disqualification extended Alpine’s points drought in 2025, leaving them as the only team yet to score this season. Gasly’s exclusion from P11 dashed hopes of a breakthrough, compounding the French squad’s reliability and performance woes.
Piastri Shines in McLaren 1-2 as Midfield Teams Capitalize
Amid Ferrari’s chaos, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri seized victory in a commanding performance, fending off teammate Lando Norris and Mercedes’ George Russell. The Australian’s second career win highlighted McLaren’s resurgence, while the disqualifications reshuffled the points-paying positions.
Esteban Ocon (Alpine), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Alex Albon (Williams), and Ferrari junior Ollie Bearman (Haas) were promoted to P7-P10, scoring crucial points. Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz (Kick Sauber) also entered the top 10, salvaging results for their teams.
Stewards’ Verdict: Zero Tolerance for Technical Non-Compliance
The FIA stewards emphasized strict adherence to regulations, stating, “The standard penalty for such infringements is disqualification.” Ferrari’s breaches, while unintentional, underscore the precision required in F1’s ground-effect era, where ride height and weight management are critical.
Championship Implications
Hamilton’s Sprint win remains intact, but losing Grand Prix points drops him further behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ standings. For Ferrari, the double DQ erases 18 potential points, allowing McLaren and Mercedes to tighten the gap in the Constructors’ battle.
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
Social media erupted with debates over Ferrari’s errors, with fans calling for accountability. Meanwhile, Piastri’s stellar drive has reignited excitement for his title potential. As F1 heads to Miami, teams will double-check compliance to avoid similar controversies.
Conclusion
The 2025 Chinese GP will be remembered for Ferrari’s historic misstep and McLaren’s strategic mastery. With the margin for error slimmer than ever, the incident serves as a stark reminder: In Formula 1, victory isn’t just won on track—it’s secured in the technical garage.
Stay tuned for more F1 updates and analysis as the 2025 season intensifies!
🏁 F1 Shockwave: Hamilton & Leclerc DISQUALIFIED in Chinese GP!
Ferrari’s nightmare unfolded as Hamilton’s illegal skid block and Leclerc’s underweight car triggered double disqualifications. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri seized victory in the chaos, while Alpine’s Gasly joined the DQ list. A brutal reminder: F1 wins aren’t just on track—they’re won in the tech garage.