In a dramatic turn at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, Ferrari publicly acknowledged a “genuine error” after both of its drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, were disqualified due to technical infringements. The decision by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) removed both drivers from the final standings, sending shockwaves across the motorsport world.
The disqualification stemmed from violations discovered during post-race inspections. Hamilton’s Ferrari had excessive plank wear, and Leclerc’s car weighed 1kg under the minimum weight—both breaches of strict Formula One technical regulations.
Ferrari Issues Statement Following Disqualification of Hamilton
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Race | 2025 Chinese Grand Prix |
| Disqualified Drivers | Lewis Hamilton (P6), Charles Leclerc (P5) |
| Disqualification Reason | Hamilton: Excessive skid block wear; Leclerc: Car underweight by 1kg |
| Ferrari’s Statement | Acknowledged “genuine error” and pledged corrective actions |
| Impact | Loss of crucial points in Driver & Constructor Championships |
| Winner | Oscar Piastri (McLaren) |
| Official Source | FIA Official Website |
The disqualification of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc from the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix serves as a wake-up call for even the most elite teams in motorsport. Ferrari’s willingness to admit error shows integrity, but the incident also underscores the ultra-precise standards demanded in Formula One.
As the championship heats up, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see if they can correct course—and whether Hamilton’s dream of winning in red can still come true.
What Happened: A Technical Breakdown
Following the 57-lap race in Shanghai, FIA officials conducted routine scrutineering checks on randomly selected cars. The inspections revealed:
- Hamilton’s skid block was worn down 0.5mm beyond the legal limit, suggesting excessive bottoming-out during the race.
- Leclerc’s car came in 1kg under the mandated 798kg weight, attributed to unexpected tire degradation from a one-stop strategy.
These issues, while seemingly minor, provide a competitive advantage and are strictly regulated to ensure fairness across the grid.
Ferrari’s Reaction: Owning the Mistake
Ferrari issued a statement the same evening:
“We hold ourselves to the highest standards, and in this instance, we made a genuine mistake. There was no attempt to bend the rules, and we will take this as a learning moment to ensure full compliance in future races.”
The team further explained that track surface conditions and a mid-race strategy shift for Leclerc unexpectedly altered tire behavior, contributing to the weight miscalculation. For Hamilton, over-aggressive curb riding may have led to the excessive wear of the plank.
What the Drivers Said
Though neither Hamilton nor Leclerc were happy with the result, both responded with professionalism.
Hamilton, speaking to Sky Sports F1, said:
“It’s disappointing, of course, especially since we worked hard for that result. But I trust the team and know we’ll bounce back. These things happen.”
Leclerc added:
“It’s tough, especially when you’re not expecting it. But the rules are the rules. We’ll regroup and push forward.”
Championship Impact
This disqualification has notable consequences for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
Driver Standings Before vs After:
| Driver | Before Disqualification | After Disqualification |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | P6 in race (8 points) | 0 points |
| Leclerc | P5 in race (10 points) | 0 points |
Ferrari loses a combined 18 points, which drops them behind rivals McLaren and Mercedes in the early 2025 Constructors’ standings.
Historical Perspective: Has This Happened Before?
Yes—and not just once. In fact, Lewis Hamilton was disqualified in the 2023 United States Grand Prix for similar reasons: excessive wear on his car’s skid block. Ironically, Charles Leclerc faced the same fate that day.
Ferrari too has had brushes with disqualification throughout F1 history, notably during the 1999 Malaysian GP, when both cars were initially excluded for bargeboard irregularities—though they were later reinstated after appeal.
This shows that even the most experienced teams and drivers are not immune to these razor-thin margins of error.
Expert Commentary: What Analysts Are Saying
Martin Brundle, former F1 driver and Sky Sports analyst:
“This is a classic case of unintended consequences. Ferrari took a gamble on strategy and it backfired—not on the stopwatch, but on the scales.”
Ted Kravitz, F1 Pit Lane Reporter:
“With the level of tech and telemetry available, this kind of oversight is rare—but not impossible. It’s a harsh reminder of how brutal F1 compliance can be.”
Fan and Media Reaction
Fans took to social media in a frenzy. Some empathized with Ferrari’s transparency, while others criticized the team for its operational sloppiness.
Trending Tweets:
- “Ferrari: The only team that can shoot itself in both feet AND reload mid-race.”
- “Respect to Hamilton and Leclerc for how they handled the news. Pure class.”
F1 forums also lit up with speculation on how this could affect Ferrari’s title hopes.
What’s Next for Ferrari?
Ferrari will need to:
- Audit its post-race compliance checklist
- Recalibrate skid wear models for track-specific scenarios
- Implement real-time weight monitoring systems to avoid underweight finishes
The team heads into the next Grand Prix in Barcelona, under pressure but with clear action points. Fans can expect a focused and fired-up Ferrari, especially with Hamilton eager to claim his first podium in red.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why were Hamilton and Leclerc disqualified?
Hamilton’s car had illegal skid block wear. Leclerc’s car was underweight—both violations of FIA technical rules.
2. Did Ferrari try to cheat?
No. The team admitted it was an honest mistake, not an attempt to break the rules.
3. How does this affect Ferrari’s championship chances?
They lost 18 points in the Constructors’ Championship, which could be crucial later in the season.
4. Is this kind of disqualification common?
It’s rare but not unprecedented. Hamilton and Leclerc were also disqualified in 2023 for similar reasons.
5. What steps is Ferrari taking?
Ferrari plans to review its systems, improve predictive modeling, and ensure full compliance in future races.
