Why Hamilton and Leclerc were disqualified from Chinese GP

For the first time in its history, Ferrari has suffered a double disqualification from a grand prix, after Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were expunged from the results of the 2025 F1 Chinese GP. 

Hamilton had let Leclerc through during the race as he struggled for pace, before switching to a two-stopper. The Monégasque finished fifth at the chequered flag, with Hamilton sixth. 

However, in post-race scrutineering, both cars failed standard tests but for different reasons. 

Ferrari replaced Leclerc’s front wing after first-lap contact with Hamilton, but even after doing so, the car was still underweight. Hamilton’s SF-25 failed rear skid-block checks. Its thickness was 0.4-0.5mm below the required 9mm minimum.

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was also disqualified for an underweight car, with the reasons below for each explained. The full adjusted results and standings are also included.

Hamilton China disqualification

The stewards heard from the team representative of Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton).

The plank assembly of Car 44 was measured and found to be 8.6mm (LHS), 8.6mm (car centerline) and 8.5mm (RHS). This is below the minimum thickness of 9mm specified under Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations.

During the hearing, the team representative confirmed that the measurement was correct and that all required procedures were performed correctly. The team also acknowledged that there were no mitigating circumstances and that it was a genuine error by the team.

The stewards determine that Article 3.5.9 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations has been breached and, therefore, the standard penalty of a disqualification needs to be applied for such an infringement.

Why Leclerc was DSQd

The stewards heard from the team representative of Car 16 ( Charles Leclerc).

Car 16 was weighed by the FIA Technical Delegate inside and outside scales with both scales showing the same result of 799 kg after the customary draining of fuel and the replacement of a broken front wing. The calibration of both scales was confirmed and witnessed by the competitor.

During the hearing, there was no challenge to the FIA’s measurements which were taken to be correct and all required procedures were performed correctly.

There are no mitigating circumstances and the team confirmed that it was a genuine error by them.

The stewards determine that Article 4.1 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations has been breached and, therefore, the standard penalty of a disqualification needs to be applied for such an infringement.

Gasly’s DSQ

The stewards heard from the team representative of Car 10 (Pierre Gasly).

Car 10 was weighed by the FIA Technical Delegate inside and outside scales with both scales showing the same result of 799 kg after the customary draining of fuel. The calibration of both scales was confirmed and witnessed by the competitor.

During the hearing there was no challenge to the FIA’s measurements which were taken to be correct and all required procedures were performed correctly.

There are no mitigating circumstances and the team confirmed that it was a genuine error by them.

The Stewards determine that Article 4.1 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations has been breached and, therefore, the standard penalty of a disqualification needs to be applied for such an infringement.