Hold onto your helmets! Today’s F1 news is packed with drama and intrigue from the Chinese Grand Prix.
- Lewis Hamilton faces disqualification after pushing his car to the limit, suffering from excessive skid block wear.
- Ferrari’s latest design changes have sparked a theory about their performance issues, particularly around ride height and car weight.
- Franco Colapinto won’t be stepping in for Red Bull as rumors swirled, focusing media attention on Yuki Tsunoda’s potential promotion.
- Fernando Alonso battles neck injuries amid a series of disappointing races, sparking concern about his current season.
In a thrilling turn of events, Lewis Hamilton found himself disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix due to excessive skid block wear. Sky F1’s Martin Brundle suggests it might be linked to Hamilton’s aggressive strategy after a pit stop. This marks his second disqualification for similar reasons within 18 months, having faced the same fate at the 2023 United States Grand Prix. Meanwhile, his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc’s exclusion came as his car was underweight, highlighting technical challenges within the team.
There’s a buzz around Ferrari’s SF-25 car and its ‘peaky’ ride height issues, as noted by former Aston Martin strategist Bernie Collins. Speculations rose after Ferrari’s compromised performance in the Australian GP due to low ride height, leading to significant design overhauls for the 2025 season. Ferrari’s switch back to a pullrod suspension layout has fueled theories about their setup struggles and the disqualification incidents in China, adding layers of complexity to their campaign.
The F1 paddock was buzzing with speculation about Franco Colapinto potentially replacing Liam Lawson at Red Bull. However, sources have quelled these rumors. Despite an impressive cameo for Williams, Colapinto seems unlikely to join Red Bull. Instead, Yuki Tsunoda emerges as a leading candidate for promotion. Racing star Ralf Schumacher advised Tsunoda to carefully consider any potential move, given the high-pressure dynamics at Red Bull.
Meanwhile, seasoned driver Fernando Alonso revealed he’s been contending with a painful neck injury, alongside other health setbacks. Despite his illustrious career, Alonso’s current season has been marred by two consecutive retirements, leaving him yet to score a point in 2025. His recent medical challenges have become a talking point in the F1 community, as fans and experts alike wonder how they may impact his competitive edge going forward.
As the F1 season unfolds, drivers and teams face unexpected challenges, adding excitement and tension to the championship.
