Ferrari endured a nightmare on the Chinese language Grand Prix on the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai Worldwide Circuit, strolling away with nearly nothing after each Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc had been shockingly disqualified from the race.
Intriguingly, the duo breached solely separate laws—Hamilton did not adjust to the obligatory 9mm skid block minimal, whereas Leclerc’s automobile was discovered underweight. This marks Ferrari’s first double disqualification because the 2023 United States Grand Prix, the place the Monegasque additionally fell foul of skid block laws.
The revised outcomes noticed each Haas drivers climb into the highest eight, whereas Carlos Sainz managed to gather his first factors as a Williams driver after what had been a difficult weekend in Shanghai.
Regardless of Lewis Hamilton’s early affect at Ferrari—demonstrated by his strategic name to swap positions together with his teammate throughout the race—the workforce in the end paid the value for his or her regulatory breaches, dropping 22 essential factors. This setback raises severe considerations for Hamilton, as Ferrari now seems slower than anticipated in 2024 and has already squandered beneficial championship factors.
Damon Hill Reacts to Ferrari’s Double Disqualification
Ferrari has by no means skilled each of its drivers being disqualified in the identical race, making the scenario much more extraordinary given the distinct infractions concerned.
Technical laws go away no room for ambiguity—groups are both compliant or in violation, and penalties are swift and decisive. 1996 Formulation 1 World Champion Damon Hill strengthened this level with a blunt three-word response on social media: “Guidelines is guidelines.”
In the meantime, Sky Sports activities analyst Karun Chandhok revealed that Charles Leclerc’s damaged entrance wing—broken in lap-one contact together with his teammate—could have inadvertently aided his efficiency. Engineers imagine this alteration may have influenced his tempo, whereas Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli suspected that operating over the carbon particles contributed to his personal struggles by inflicting flooring harm.
Ferrari Below Strain Forward of Japanese Grand Prix
Simply two races into the season, Ferrari’s title aspirations have taken a dramatic hit. As an alternative of contending on the entrance, they now discover themselves tied with Williams for fourth within the constructors’ standings.
With rivals McLaren and Mercedes proving to be stronger rivals than anticipated, the Italian aspect should quickly unlock extra efficiency in the event that they hope to problem Purple Bull—who, even with only one driver constantly delivering outcomes, have already amassed greater than twice Ferrari’s factors tally.
Hamilton, nevertheless, supplied a glimpse of Ferrari’s potential by securing victory within the dash race, momentarily silencing his critics. With out that win, the weekend would have been an outright catastrophe.
Now, the seven-time Formulation 1 world champion should name on all his expertise to rally the workforce and maintain morale excessive after this crushing setback. The Japanese Grand Prix looms massive, and Ferrari can’t afford one other misstep.
Mar 25, 2025
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