Ferrari Addresses Disqualifications Of Hamilton And Teammate At Chinese Grand Prix!

The 2024 Formula 1 season took a sour turn for Ferrari during the Chinese Grand Prix, where both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified after the race. The team’s strong hopes for a competitive season were dashed as a result, leaving them with no points from the race.

Disqualifications Shake Up Ferrari’s Chinese Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc had initially crossed the finish line in fifth place, while Hamilton was in sixth. However, both drivers were disqualified after post-race scrutineering revealed technical violations. Leclerc’s car was found to be underweight by 1 kg, while Hamilton’s car had rearward skid wear 0.5mm below the permitted limit.

Ferrari’s official statement acknowledged the issues, with the team attributing Leclerc’s underweight problem to his one-stop strategy, which led to excessive tyre wear. Hamilton’s skid wear issue was due to a small misjudgment in tire consumption. Ferrari emphasized that there was no intent to gain any unfair advantage, and that they would learn from the mistakes made.

Impact on Ferrari’s Championship Hopes

The disqualifications not only cost Ferrari 18 points in the Constructors’ Championship but also disrupted both drivers’ standings in the overall competition. With Leclerc finishing outside the points and Hamilton’s finish effectively nullified, Ferrari’s early-season struggles are now a significant talking point.

A Tough Start for Ferrari’s New Season

This is not the first disappointing result for Ferrari in 2024. Leclerc finished eighth in Australia just a week prior, while Hamilton barely managed to score a point in tenth. Both drivers have faced frustration with the car’s performance, and Hamilton, in particular, has expressed concerns over communication with the team.

Despite the setbacks, Ferrari’s management remains hopeful. As Hamilton settles into his first season with Ferrari, the team promises to improve their communication and support for the drivers. The season is still young, and Ferrari is aiming to rectify these issues to challenge for podiums in the coming races.

Race Results and Updated Standings

With both Ferrari drivers disqualified, the adjusted standings for the Chinese Grand Prix saw a surprising winner in Oscar Piastri, who claimed victory for McLaren. The top 10 now stands as follows: