Ferrari Explains Lewis Hamilton’s Disqualification from Chinese Grand Prix in Shocking Post-Race Drama

In a stunning twist at the Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix, Ferrari has revealed why Lewis Hamilton was disqualified nearly three hours after the checkered flag waved in Shanghai. The seven-time world champion, in just his second race since joining Ferrari from Mercedes, saw his sixth-place finish erased due to a technical violation. The disqualification, coupled with teammate Charles Leclerc’s exclusion, marked a historic low for Ferrari as both drivers were stripped from the same race—an unprecedented event in F1 history.

Ferrari admitted to the FIA that Hamilton’s disqualification stemmed from a “genuine mistake.” The team’s skid structure on Car 44 measured 8.6mm (left), 8.6mm (center), and 8.5mm (right)—below the mandated 9mm minimum outlined in Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations. During the FIA hearing, Ferrari representatives confirmed the measurements’ accuracy and acknowledged the error, stating no mitigating circumstances existed. The ruling cost Hamilton eight championship points in a race won by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

Double Trouble for Ferrari
Charles Leclerc faced a similar fate, disqualified for driving an underweight car that fell 1kg short of the minimum requirement. Ferrari explained that Leclerc’s one-stop strategy led to excessive tire wear, inadvertently causing the weight violation. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s issue arose from a miscalculation of skid wear, missing the mark by a mere 0.5mm. The team’s statement was candid: “We had no intent to gain an advantage. We misjudged Lewis’s tire consumption by a small margin.”

This double disqualification compounded Ferrari’s woes. “After the FIA’s post-race inspection, both cars failed to comply with regulations for different reasons,” Ferrari noted. “We’ll learn from today and ensure these mistakes aren’t repeated. This isn’t how we wanted to end the Chinese GP—for ourselves or our fans.”

A Historic F1 Moment
The fallout didn’t stop with Ferrari. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who finished 11th, was also disqualified for a weight-related breach akin to Leclerc’s. The FIA stewards showed no leniency, emphasizing strict adherence to technical rules. For Ferrari, the dual disqualification was a first, casting a shadow over their 2025 season ambitions as they battle McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull.

Hamilton’s Frustration Boils Over
Speaking before the disqualification was announced, Hamilton vented his frustration with the car’s performance. “I felt okay, but I didn’t get the result I hoped for,” he said post-race. “I had a good start and tried to push forward, but I didn’t have the pace of the cars ahead. After the Sprint, we made changes, and the car got worse—I’ve been struggling ever since.” The 40-year-old, still adjusting to Ferrari’s setup, hinted at deeper issues: “We need to figure this out so it doesn’t happen again.”

Hamilton’s Sprint victory on Saturday had raised hopes, but Sunday’s race exposed vulnerabilities. His on-radio tension with engineer Riccardo Adami underscored a challenging day, even before the FIA’s ruling turned it into a nightmare.

Ferrari’s Mea Culpa
Ferrari’s post-race statement was a rare admission of fault from the iconic team. “Charles’s strategy meant heavy tire wear, and with Lewis, we underestimated the skid wear,” they explained. The Scuderia vowed to regroup, but the damage was done. Fans, accustomed to Ferrari’s pedigree, were left reeling as the team failed to deliver for both their new star and loyal supporters.

What Went Wrong in Shanghai?
The Chinese Grand Prix, a pivotal event on the 2025 calendar, was meant to showcase Ferrari’s resurgence. Instead, it highlighted their technical missteps. Leclerc learned his fate first in the paddock, with stewards noting “no mitigating factors” to soften the blow. Gasly’s disqualification followed minutes later, cementing a chaotic post-race narrative.

For Hamilton, the loss of points stings in a season where every position counts. Ferrari’s errors handed rivals like McLaren and Red Bull an edge, amplifying the pressure on the Maranello squad. As Hamilton adapts to his new team, this setback tests his patience and Ferrari’s ability to rebound.

Looking Ahead
The Shanghai debacle has sparked debate about F1’s rigid regulations and their impact on competition. For Ferrari, it’s a wake-up call to refine their processes. Hamilton, Leclerc, and the team now face the challenge of turning lessons into results. As the season unfolds, this historic double disqualification could either galvanize Ferrari or haunt them—only time will tell. For now, the paddock buzzes with questions: Can Ferrari recover, and will Hamilton’s Ferrari dream survive this rocky start?