Ferrari’s challenging weekend at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix has taken a dramatic turn, as both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc now face potential disqualification after their cars failed post-race scrutineering. The incidents have put the spotlight on the team’s race preparations and could result in a double disqualification for the iconic Maranello team.
Lewis Hamilton’s SF-25 Rear Skid Fails Post-Race Inspection
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari SF-25 has come under scrutiny after the car’s rear skid failed to meet the FIA’s post-race requirements. The rear skid block is a critical component in ensuring that the car’s height remains consistent with the regulatory limits during the race. Following the Chinese Grand Prix, the FIA carried out a thorough inspection of the cars, and it was revealed that Hamilton’s SF-25 did not comply with the necessary specifications for the rear skid, sparking further investigation.
This marks a significant development for Ferrari, as Hamilton had shown solid performance during the race, finishing in a competitive position. However, this technical violation has cast doubt on the legality of his finish and could result in the team being penalized or even disqualified if the breach is deemed severe enough.
Charles Leclerc’s Car Found Underweight During Post-Race Checks
In addition to Hamilton’s issue, Charles Leclerc is also facing scrutiny after his car was found to be underweight following the race. According to FIA post-race scrutineering, Charles Leclerc’s SF-25 failed to meet the minimum weight requirement of 800kg. Initially, after Ferrari replaced the front wing on Charles Leclerc’s car following damage sustained in a first-lap collision with teammate Lewis Hamilton, the car weighed 800.5kg. However, after the necessary fuel sample was drained from the car—2.0 liters in total—the SF-25 dropped to a weight of 799.0kg, falling below the legal limit by 1kg.
Although both Ferrari and the FIA were in agreement regarding the findings, this violation places Leclerc in jeopardy of a potential disqualification from the race results. The team’s handling of this issue will be scrutinized as they await the official ruling.
These two separate issues—Lewis Hamilton’s rear skid failure and Leclerc’s underweight car—have left Ferrari in a precarious position, with the possibility of a double disqualification looming. The team, which has struggled with consistency this season, now faces the added pressure of addressing these technical failures while maintaining its competitive edge.
The situation highlights the critical importance of compliance with F1’s technical regulations. As teams push the boundaries of car performance, the FIA maintains strict rules to ensure fairness and safety across the grid. These post-race checks are integral to maintaining the integrity of the sport, and even minor infractions can result in severe penalties.
This isn’t the first time a team has faced disqualification due to technical breaches. In the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, George Russell was disqualified after his car failed to meet weight requirements, setting a precedent for such violations in the sport.
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