Why Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari Drivers Were Disqualified at Chinese GP?

After the Chinese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly were all disqualified due to technical infractions, each violating different aspects of the FIA’s stringent regulations.

Leclerc and Gasly’s Penalties

Leclerc, who had finished the race in 5th place, and Gasly, who came in 11th, both faced disqualification for breaching Article 4.1 of the Technical Regulations, which pertains to the minimum weight of the car. Following the race, it was revealed that Leclerc’s car weighed exactly 800kg when weighed in the pits, but after draining fuel, it dropped to 799kg—just under the minimum weight requirement. Gasly’s car had a similar issue: it initially weighed 800kg, but after fuel removal, it dropped to 799kg. Both teams accepted responsibility for the breaches, and the stewards confirmed the disqualifications.

Hamilton’s Technical Breach

Hamilton’s disqualification stemmed from a separate issue concerning his car’s skid block. Upon a post-race inspection for wear, it was found that the plank assembly underneath his car was thinner than required. According to Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations, the skid block must be at least 10mm thick, but Hamilton’s car measured only 8.5mm in some areas, resulting in a breach.

Details of Disqualifications

• Leclerc’s Breach: After fuel was drained, Leclerc’s car dropped below the 800kg minimum weight limit, falling to 799kg.
• Gasly’s Breach: Gasly’s car also fell below the required weight limit after 1.1kg of fuel was drained, dropping to 799kg.
• Hamilton’s Breach: Hamilton’s skid block was found to be under the required thickness of 10mm, with some areas measuring only 8.5mm.

Also read: Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Dream: Inside His First Day with the Prancing Horse

The Regulations Behind the Infractions

Leclerc and Gasly’s disqualifications were due to violations of Article 4.1, which mandates that a Formula 1 car must weigh at least 800kg after fuel is drained. Hamilton’s penalty, however, came from Article 3.5.9, which sets the minimum thickness for the skid block at 10mm, allowing for a slight tolerance of 9mm due to wear. Hamilton’s car failed to meet this requirement after the wear of the block reduced its thickness.

Team Reactions and Reflections

Both Ferrari and Alpine accepted the disqualifications and released statements acknowledging the infractions. Alpine focused on looking ahead to the next race, while Ferrari explained that there was no intention to gain an advantage from the violations. Ferrari clarified that Leclerc’s underweight issue occurred as a result of excessive tire wear during a one-stop strategy, while Hamilton’s issue with the skid block stemmed from a misjudgement in the wear process. Both teams expressed their commitment to learning from these mistakes and preventing similar issues in the future.

Lessons Learned

The disqualifications of Hamilton, Leclerc, and Gasly underscore the importance of precision in Formula 1, where technical regulations are strictly enforced. While the drivers were not directly at fault, the errors made by their teams in adhering to the regulations cost them valuable race results. The penalties serve as a reminder of the high stakes in the sport, where even minor oversights can lead to significant consequences. Both Alpine and Ferrari have committed to improving their attention to detail in the future, aiming to avoid such breaches moving forward.