Hamilton, Leclerc & Gasly Disqualified from Final Chinese GP Classification
The drama of the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix didn't end with the chequered flag, as three major names—Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly—have been sensationally disqualified post-race due to weight and plank height infringements. In a shocking turn of events, the FIA’s scrutineering process caught out some of F1’s biggest stars, rewriting the final standings and stirring up the championship battle.
Hamilton's Disqualification Adds to Ferrari's Woes
It was already a challenging weekend for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari, but things went from bad to worse when FIA officials ruled that his car failed to meet the mandatory plank wear regulations. Hamilton had finished inside the points, but his exclusion means Ferrari leave Shanghai with even more questions about their car’s compliance and performance.
The seven-time world champion has been here before—famously disqualified from the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying session for a DRS infringement—but this one will sting just as much. With the team already struggling for pace against McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull, this latest setback makes their 2025 campaign even harder.
Ferrari in Shock as Leclerc Loses Crucial Points
Charles Leclerc was also disqualified after his Ferrari SF-25 was found to be underweight. The Monegasque had finished fifth, looking to salvage solid points for the Scuderia. However, just like Hamilton, the FIA’s technical inspection meant all his hard work counted for nothing.
Ferrari has started the season with ups and downs, after Hamilton's win in the China Sprint, this setback will not sit well in Maranello. The team will now be under pressure to ensure compliance for future races.
Gasly’s Alpine Nightmare Continues
Pierre Gasly has endured a difficult start to the season with Alpine, and his disqualification is just another chapter in what has been a rough start. The Frenchman’s car also failed post-race weight inspections, wiping out what could have been a valuable points finish for the struggling team.
Alpine has been playing catch-up to the midfield pack, and with both their cars already facing performance struggles, this latest blow is a bitter pill to swallow. The Enstone-based squad needs to turn their fortunes around quickly if they want to stay relevant in 2025.
The FIA’s Scrutiny – A Stern Reminder
The FIA’s plank wear rule—designed to prevent teams from running their cars too low to gain aerodynamic advantages—has been in place for decades, but it rarely catches out multiple drivers in a single event. With the tight battle at the front of the grid this season, teams are clearly pushing the limits more than ever.
In terms of the minimum weight, cars must be at 800kg to pass the FIA test.
These disqualifications send a clear message: no team, no matter how big, is exempt from the sport’s strict technical regulations. With the championship fight heating up, the last thing any driver or team needs is a regulatory mishap that costs them crucial points.
As Formula 1 heads to its next round, the teams will be extra cautious about compliance—because in a season this competitive, every point matters.
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You couldn't make it up 1st an noncompetitive car 2nd Charlie whacks Lucy's car 3rd The Dame cant pass Charlie whatever tantrum she gives out, and 4th and finally both cars get Dnqd
Ferrari hang your head in shame
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