In a dramatic twist at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, Formula 1 saw the disqualification of three top drivers. Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly were all removed from the results due to technical infringements. This unexpected decision reshaped the race outcome and highlighted how crucial it is to follow the sport’s technical rules.
The Disqualifications: A Closer Look
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): Officials found Hamilton’s skid block had worn down to 8.6mm. The minimum allowed is 9mm. Because of this, he was disqualified.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): Post-race checks showed that Leclerc’s car weighed less than the minimum required. This led to his disqualification.
Pierre Gasly (Alpine): Like Leclerc, Gasly’s car was underweight. As a result, he too was disqualified.
Understanding the Regulations
Formula 1’s technical rules are designed to ensure fairness and safety. These disqualifications focused on two key areas:
Minimum Weight: According to Article 4.1 of the FIA rules, cars must weigh at least 800kg without fuel. This stops teams from gaining an unfair edge by going too light.
Skid Block Wear: The skid block, or “plank,” prevents cars from running too low. The rules require it to be at least 9mm thick, with only 1mm of wear allowed during the race. If the wear is too much, it shows the car ran too low.
Impact on the Race
These disqualifications had a big impact on the final standings. Oscar Piastri took the win. His McLaren teammate Lando Norris came second. George Russell moved up to third place for Mercedes. The changes also shifted the points in the championship standings.
Ferrari’s team boss, Frédéric Vasseur, said, “We accept the FIA’s decision and will review what went wrong to avoid a repeat.”
A spokesperson for Alpine added, “We respect the rules and will work with the FIA to stay compliant.”
The Bigger Picture
This event shows just how tight the margins are in Formula 1. Even small rule breaks can lead to big penalties. Teams push the limits to gain speed but they must also stay within the rules.
Going forward, all teams are likely to be more careful. Their goal will be to find speed while staying compliant. For fans, this adds another layer of drama to an already exciting season.
