For the first time in its storied Formula 1 history, Scuderia Ferrari suffered a double disqualification at a single Grand Prix, turning what began as a promising weekend in Shanghai into a major setback.
Following Lewis Hamilton’s triumph in the Sprint Race, expectations were high for Ferrari heading into Sunday’s main event. However, both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, who initially finished fifth and sixth, were later excluded from the final classification due to FIA technical infractions.
Post-race inspections revealed separate issues on each SF-25. Leclerc’s car was found to be underweight, tipping the scales at 799kg—just one kilogram below the 800kg minimum requirement. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s car had excessive rear skid wear, measuring 0.5mm below the permissible 9mm threshold.
Ferrari Responds to Controversy
Addressing the unexpected setback, Ferrari acknowledged the ruling in an official statement: “Both of our cars were deemed non-compliant for different reasons after FIA inspections. Charles’ one-stop strategy resulted in significant tire degradation, leading to a drop in weight. As for Lewis, our calculations for skid wear were slightly off.”
The team was quick to clarify that the violations were unintentional, emphasizing that there was no attempt to gain a competitive advantage. Ferrari also pledged to analyze the situation thoroughly to prevent similar issues in the future.
Championship Implications
The disqualification has serious consequences for Ferrari’s standing in the Constructors’ Championship. The team now falls to fifth place, trailing McLaren by 61 points, with Sunday’s result alone costing them 18 valuable points.
Adding to the disappointment, Leclerc’s underweight ruling came despite a mid-race front wing change following damage. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly faced the same penalty for a similar infraction.
Despite the setback, Hamilton’s Sprint Race victory on Saturday provided a brief moment of celebration. Reflecting on the win, he shared: “Taking my first Sprint pole and victory in a Ferrari was an unforgettable experience. The car felt great, and the energy from the fans was just incredible.”