In an unexpected turn of events at the Chinese Grand Prix, both Charles Leclerc and his teammate found themselves disqualified after an impressive finish. What’s the story behind this surprising outcome?
The Chinese Grand Prix proved to be a whirlwind of unexpected challenges for Ferrari, particularly concerning Charles Leclerc’s disqualification due to his car being underweight. The unexpected single-stop strategy played a significant role. Initially planned as a two-stop race, the team had to opt for fewer pit stops, which led to excessive tire wear. This, in turn, caused Leclerc’s car to dip below the required weight. Ferrari was quick to clarify that the issue stemmed from the high tire wear, leaving the car a kilogram underweight. They emphasized that there was no intention to gain an unfair advantage.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton faced a different yet equally critical issue. His car was found non-compliant due to excessive skid wear by merely 0.5mm, showcasing a slight miscalculation on Ferrari’s part. This oversight occurred before the qualification round when the cars were checked under parc ferme conditions. The Ferrari team admitted to an error in estimating skid wear, missing the mark by a narrow margin.
Beyond the technicalities, Ferrari’s double exclusion led to a reshuffle in the constructors’ leaderboard. The team lost a significant number of points, 18 to be exact, reshaping the race’s final standings dramatically. Other drivers benefited from Ferrari’s misfortune, with Pierre Gasly missing out due to his own weight compliance issues, while Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz capitalized by moving up in the points tally. Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman were among the greatest beneficiaries, notably advancing in the rankings and securing crucial points.
Ferrari acknowledged their errors and vowed to investigate these technical hiccups to prevent similar occurrences in future races. They expressed disappointment in the race’s outcome, particularly for their unwavering fans. The team assured that they have no intention of repeating past mistakes, committing to a thorough review to bolster their future performances.
The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix was a race filled with dramatic twists and technical revelations for Ferrari. The team’s unfortunate misjudgments led to significant consequences, underscoring the meticulous nature of Formula 1 racing. Ferrari’s resolve to learn from these events promises a determined comeback, emphasizing the ever-present strive for precision in the world of motorsports.
