A dramatic day unfolded at the Chinese Grand Prix with two high-profile disqualifications.
- Lewis Hamilton, initially finishing sixth, faced disqualification due to a technical infraction.
- Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also saw his fifth-place finish annulled for a separate issue.
- Both drivers were left grappling with unforeseen setbacks as the FIA enforced strict regulations.
- These disqualifications shook the standings, marking a challenging day for the teams involved.
The Chinese Grand Prix witnessed a surprising turn of events when Lewis Hamilton was disqualified post-race. Despite crossing the finish line in sixth place, Hamilton’s car failed to meet the required technical standards due to an over-worn underfloor plank. The FIA stewards, upon referral by technical delegate Jo Bauer, confirmed the disqualification after thorough measurements showed the plank was below the necessary 9mm thickness. This decision, while unfortunate, was consistent with the FIA’s steadfast adherence to the rules.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari shared a similar fate when his fifth-place finish was declared void. The Ferrari team faced scrutiny as Leclerc’s car was found to be a kilo underweight during the post-race inspection. Despite attempts to rectify the weight issue by replacing a damaged front wing with a heavier spare, the car still failed to meet the minimum weight requirements. Like Hamilton, Leclerc’s disqualification was a consequence of strict regulation enforcement, with no mitigating circumstances to alter the outcome.
Interestingly, this is not Hamilton’s first encounter with disqualification; he and Leclerc previously faced similar penalties at the United States Grand Prix. The recurring issue of technical compliance underscores the challenges teams face in keeping up with stringent technical standards.
In a separate incident, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly also faced disqualification for his car being underweight. It highlights a rigorous application of rules that leaves little room for error, prompting teams to reassess their technical strategies.
The disqualifications at the Chinese Grand Prix served as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of motorsport regulations.
