Ferrari’s weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix took a dramatic turn as both of their drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, faced serious regulatory scrutiny. The controversy began during the Sprint Qualifying session and culminated in the disqualification of both drivers after the main race. These developments have not only affected Ferrari’s standing in the championship but also raised questions about their internal procedures and adherence to FIA regulations.
The first issue arose in Sprint Qualifying when Charles Leclerc was summoned by the FIA stewards over allegations of driving unnecessarily slowly. The FIA has strict guidelines regarding minimum time deltas between Safety Car lines, ensuring drivers do not gain an unfair advantage while preparing for their fast laps. Leclerc was accused of violating these guidelines, potentially facing a grid penalty.
Upon review, the stewards determined that Leclerc’s pace management was reasonable, considering the track position of other drivers, including his teammate Lewis Hamilton and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll. Consequently, no penalty was imposed. While Ferrari was relieved, this was only the beginning of their troubles.
The main race on Sunday delivered an even bigger blow to Ferrari. Both Leclerc and Hamilton initially finished in strong positions, with Leclerc securing fifth place and Hamilton crossing the line in sixth. However, post-race technical inspections uncovered infractions that led to their immediate disqualification. Hamilton’s car was found to have a skid block that was worn down by 0.5mm below the legal threshold, while Leclerc’s car was 1kg under the mandated minimum weight. These violations resulted in their race results being annulled, costing Ferrari valuable points in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
Ferrari acknowledged the errors, attributing them to miscalculations rather than intentional attempts to circumvent FIA regulations. The team explained that Leclerc’s weight issue stemmed from an unexpected shift in strategy, while Hamilton’s skid block wear was underestimated. Ferrari expressed deep regret over these infractions and assured that corrective measures would be taken to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
The disqualifications dealt a significant blow to Ferrari’s championship campaign. Losing 18 points in one race has set them back considerably in the Constructors’ standings, intensifying the competition with Red Bull and Mercedes. These setbacks highlight the importance of stringent technical compliance in a sport where even minor infractions can have severe consequences.
Beyond the immediate impact on Ferrari, these incidents underscore the FIA’s unwavering commitment to enforcing regulations. The governing body’s strict approach serves as a warning to all teams, emphasizing that every aspect of car setup must adhere to the rulebook.
For Ferrari, this ordeal presents both a challenge and an opportunity. They must reassess their internal processes, from car setup to race strategy execution, to avoid similar errors in future races. More importantly, they must demonstrate resilience and regain their competitive edge as the season progresses.
Despite the controversies, Ferrari remains a formidable force in Formula 1. Their response to this setback will shape the remainder of their 2025 campaign, determining whether they can mount a strong comeback or succumb to the pressures of an increasingly competitive grid.
