Ferrari Disaster in China: Leclerc and Hamilton Disqualified from F1 Grand Prix

The 2025 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix had a wild twist that no one saw coming. But just a few hours later, everything changed.

The FIA made a big announcement: Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Pierre Gasly were disqualified from the race. Yep, after all that hard racing, they were kicked out of the final results.

Let’s break down what went wrong, why it matters, and how it shook up the race results.

So, Why Did They Get Disqualified?

Leclerc and Gasly’s Cars Were Too Light

Every F1 car has to weigh at least 800 kilograms without fuel. That’s a rule to make things fair and safe. After the race, the officials checked the cars — and Leclerc’s and Gasly’s cars were 1 kilogram too light. That might not sound like a lot, but in F1, even tiny differences can get you in big trouble.

Here’s what happened:

• Leclerc’s front wing got damaged during the race, so the team swapped it with a spare for the inspection.

• The officials weighed the car with the spare wing, then drained the fuel.

• Final weight? 799 kilograms. One kilo too light. That’s enough for a disqualification.

Gasly’s car had the same issue. Both drivers lost their race results.

Hamilton’s Skid Block Was Too Worn Down

Now, let’s talk about Lewis Hamilton. His problem wasn’t with weight — it was with the skid block under the car. This piece helps stop the car from being too low to the ground. If it wears down too much, it means the car was probably too low during the race.

The FIA measured the block under Hamilton’s car and found it was worn down more than the allowed limit. It should be 9mm thick, but his was only 8.5mm in some spots. That’s another rule break — and that’s why he was disqualified too.

What Did Ferrari and Alpine Say About It?

Ferrari: “We Made a Mistake”

To their credit, Ferrari didn’t try to hide from the problem. They admitted they got things wrong. They explained:

• Leclerc’s car went under the weight limit because the team changed their race strategy from two pit stops to just one. That made the tires wear more, and the car ended up lighter than they expected.

• For Hamilton, they miscalculated how much the skid block would wear down. It wasn’t done on purpose — they just got it wrong.

Ferrari said they’ll learn from the mistake and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Alpine: No Excuses from Gasly’s Team

Pierre Gasly’s team, Alpine, also didn’t argue. They accepted the results and agreed with the FIA’s inspection. Like Ferrari, they knew the rules and admitted the car was too light.

How Did This Change the Final Race Results?

Once the three drivers were removed from the standings, everything got shaken up.

Here’s who gained the most:

• Esteban Ocon (Haas) moved up to fifth place

• Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, and Oliver Bearman all moved up

• Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz got the last points

Meanwhile, Ferrari went from scoring good points to getting zero. That’s a huge blow to their championship hopes early in the season.

Missed the race or just want to catch the best moments again? You can check out F1 streams to stay on top of every lap, big move, and surprise all season long.

Wait, This Happened Before?

Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time Hamilton and Leclerc have been disqualified for a similar reason. Back in 2023, at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, they both got kicked out of the results for — you guessed it — skid block wear.

Seems like some lessons are still being learned.

What Does This Mean for the 2025 F1 Season?

Ferrari Is in a Tough Spot

Ferrari came into this season hoping to fight for the championship. But now, after just two races, they’ve had a major setback. Losing points this early can make a big difference later in the season.

FIA Is Serious About the Rules

This whole thing proves that the FIA isn’t messing around. They review every detail after the race. No one gets special treatment, not even top drivers like Hamilton or Leclerc.

Small Mistakes Can Have Big Results

Formula 1 is a sport where everything is measured to the tiniest detail. One kilogram too light or half a millimeter off, and it can cost you everything. That’s what makes the sport exciting — and unforgiving.

FAQs

Why were Leclerc and Gasly disqualified?

Because their cars weighed less than the 800kg minimum after the race. That’s against the rules.

Why was Hamilton disqualified?

His car’s skid block was too worn down, which means the car might have been running too low.

Did Ferrari admit they were wrong?

Yes, Ferrari took responsibility and said it was a mistake, not cheating.

What happens when a driver is disqualified?

They’re removed from the race results, and other drivers move up in position. No points are given for the disqualified spots.

Have these drivers been disqualified before?

Yes. In 2023, both Hamilton and Leclerc were disqualified in a similar situation.

Conclusion

The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix gave fans lots to talk about. McLaren’s big win was exciting, but the post-race drama took over the spotlight. Seeing big names like Leclerc and Hamilton get disqualified shows just how tough and exact Formula 1 really is.

For teams and drivers, it’s a reminder that every part, every setup, every decision matters. And for fans? Well, it just makes the season even more exciting.

We’ll be watching closely to see how Ferrari and the others bounce back — because in Formula 1, one weekend can change everything.