Ferrari Faces Scrutiny After Double Disqualification at Chinese Grand Prix
Formula 1 team Ferrari is under intense examination after both drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, were disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix. The rulings, stemming from post-race inspections, have been labeled a ‘major embarrassment’ for the Scuderia by former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, marking a dramatic turn in what was already an eventful weekend in Shanghai. The Chinese Grand Prix proved to be a rollercoaster for both Hamilton and Ferrari, culminating in the controversial disqualifications.
Hamilton’s Sprint Success Turns Sour
Coming into the Chinese Grand Prix, concerns surrounded Hamilton after a lackluster season opener in Melbourne. However, the seven-time world champion demonstrated impressive pace early in Shanghai. He shone during free practice and secured a surprising pole position in the sprint shootout on Friday. The momentum continued into Saturday, where the veteran driver dominated the sprint race, achieving his first victory for Ferrari. This initial success, however, was not to last.
Pace Fades in Qualifying and Race
Following the sprint race triumph, Ferrari‘s competitive speed seemed to vanish in qualifying and remained absent during the main race. Leclerc finished the race in fifth place, having been overtaken by Max Verstappen in the closing stages, while Hamilton trailed behind in sixth, struggling to find performance from his SF-25 car.
Post-Race Inspections Lead to Disqualification
Routine post-race scrutineering by the FIA revealed that Hamilton’s car exceeded the permitted limit for skid block wear by 0.5mm, leading to his immediate disqualification. Subsequently, Leclerc faced an identical outcome after his vehicle was found to be 1kg below the minimum weight requirement.
Ecclestone Condemns Ferrari’s Setbacks
“I encountered former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo there,” Ecclestone told Blick, expressing his dismay. “He was appalled by Ferrari’s double disqualifications in China. Italy has never witnessed such a humiliating episode since the inception of the World Championship!”
Preventative Measures Questioned
While Ecclestone acknowledged that Hamilton’s disqualification was, in effect, unavoidable for the driver given Ferrari‘s pre-race setup decisions, he suggested that Leclerc’s situation might have been preventable with better pre-emptive checks.
Scrutiny on Car Checks and Regulations
“It’s apparent there wasn’t an effective control system in place to verify the cars after qualifying,” he stated. “The regulation regarding minimum weight has been a long-standing rule for many decades. Drivers have historically used methods, such as driving through gravel after the finish line, to intentionally add weight by collecting stones with the tyres.”
Ferrari’s Championship Position Jeopardized
Ferrari now finds itself in a vulnerable position as they approach the upcoming race in Japan, the third round of the season. The prominent constructor currently holds fifth position in the Constructors’ Championship standings, level on points with Williams. Furthermore, the gap to leading team McLaren has widened to a significant 61 points, with Andrea Stella’s McLaren showing strong performance and consistent pace.
