Ferrari
drivers
Charles Leclerc
and
Lewis Hamilton
have both been barred from the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix due to breaching technical regulations, with Alpine’s
Pierre Gasly
also excluded from the results.
In the post-race scrutiny, both Leclerc’s and Gasly’s vehicles tipped the scales at 799kg once all the fuel had been taken out; this figure is 1kg under the set minimum weight requirement. For Leclerc specifically, he swapped out his damaged frontal wing for another one from reserve stock when they conducted the measurement.
Elaborating on Leclerc’s situation, FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer stated: “Following the race, car number 16 underwent weighing and was found to be at exactly 800.0 kg—the minimum permissible weight as stipulated by TR Article 4.1.”
Since the leading edge of the wing was damaged (the detached end plate was later found and measured along with the vehicle), the car underwent re-weighing using an official backup front wing from car number 16; its total mass stood at 800.5 kg. Following this procedure, fuel was extracted from the vehicle, resulting in 2 liters being removed.
The vehicle underwent another weighing using the FIA scales, including the official reserve front wing from car 16, resulting in a total weight of 799.0 kg. The calibration of these scales was verified and observed by representatives from the competing team. It’s worth noting that the replacement front wing was found to weigh 0.2 kg more compared to the one that had been damaged during the event. Since this measurement falls short of the required minimum weight stated under TR Article 4.1—by exactly 1.0 kg—and as this standard must be adhered to throughout the entire contest, I have escalated this issue to the stewards for further review.
The scrutinizers had concerns about Hamilton’s rearmost underbody skid block exhibiting more than the allowed 1mm of wear. The thickness of his blocks ranged from 8.5mm to 8.6mm based on where they were measured, whereas the lowest permissible thickness was supposed to be 9mm.
“As per the team’s submitted legality documents in line with TD039 L, item 1.2 b), the measurement of the rearmost skid was recorded,” the FIA stated.
The measurements were obtained across the flexible region at three distinct locations around the perimeter (inner curve). The values noted were 8.6 mm (left-hand side), 8.6 mm (central axis), and 8.5 mm (right-hand side). Since these dimensions fall short of the 9 mm minimum requirement as stipulated under TR Article 3.5.9 e), I have escalated this issue to the officials for further review.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Photo courtesy of: Clive Mason/Getty Images
At their respective stewards’ hearings, neither Ferrari nor Alpine provided excuses for the mistake. The stewards observed in both cases that “the team representative affirmed during the hearing that the measurements were accurate and all necessary protocols had been followed properly.” Additionally, “the teams admitted there were no extenuating factors involved, acknowledging instead that this was simply a bona fide error on their part.”
Leclerc and Hamilton miss out on securing additional points from a potential top-two finish as they end up in fifth and sixth place, dealing a significant setback to Ferrari, whereas Gasly had earlier concluded his race beyond the point-scoring positions in 11th spot.
The amended result means
Esteban Ocon
rises to an impressive fifth spot for Haas, whereas Andrea Kimi Antonelli remains unchanged,
Alex Albon
and
Oliver Bearman
are also all promoted as well. Aston Martin’s
Lance Stroll
and
Williams
man
Carlos Sainz
have since advanced to the last point-scoring spots.
In 2023, Hamilton, who was racing with Mercedes, along with Leclerc, faced disqualification from the US Grand Prix held in Austin due to excessive tire wear caused by skidding.
