Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton Both have been omitted from the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix due to breaching technical regulations, with Alpine being one of them. Pierre Gasly also excluded from the results.
In the post-race inspection, both Leclerc's and Gasly's vehicles weighed 799 kilograms once all the fuel had been taken out; this figure was one kilogram under the required minimum weight. Notably, Leclerc’s car had undergone repairs as he swapped out his damaged front wing for a backup unit before being weighed.
Elaborating on Leclerc's situation, FIA technicaldelegate Jo Bauer stated: "Following the race, car number 16 underwent weighing and was found to be at the minimum permissible weight of 800.0kg as stipulated by TR Article 4.1."
Since the front wing was damaged (the absent front wing endplate was found and measured alongside the vehicle), the car underwent re-weighing using an officially designated spare front wing from car number 16, which brought its total weight to 800.5 kg. Following this process, fuel was extracted from the car, resulting in removing 2 liters of fuel.
The vehicle underwent another weighing using the FIA scales with the additional inclusion of the reserve front wing from car number 16, resulting in a total weight of 799.0 kg. The accuracy of these scales was verified and acknowledged by representatives of the competing team. It should be noted that the replacement front wing was found to weigh 0.2 kg more compared to the unit utilized during the event but suffered damage. Since this measurement falls short of the mandatory minimum threshold set forth under TR Article 4.1—a requirement applicable throughout the entirety of the contest—I have decided to bring this issue before the stewards for further deliberation.
The officials had concerns about the substantial wear of Hamilton’s rear underbody skid block, which exceeded the allowed 1mm threshold. The measurements showed that his skid blocks were worn down to between 8.5mm and 8.6mm, whereas the lowest permissible thickness was specified as 9mm.
"As per the team's submitted legality documents in compliance 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 (center line), and 8.5 mm (right-hand side). Since these readings fall short of the 9 mm minimum thickness mandated under TR Article 3.5.9 e), I am bringing this issue to the attention of the officials for further review.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Image Credit: Clive Mason/Getty Images
At their respective stewards' hearings, neither Ferrari nor Alpine offered any excuses for the mistake. The stewards observed in both cases that during the hearings, the team representatives affirmed the accuracy of the measurements and stated that all necessary protocols had been followed properly. Additionally, the teams admitted that they faced no extenuating conditions and conceded it was indeed a bona fide error on their part.
Leclerc and Hamilton miss out on scoring additional points in fifth and sixth place, dealing a significant setback to Ferrari, whereas Gasly had already concluded the race in 11th position, failing to score any points.
The amended result means Esteban Ocon rises to an impressive fifth place for Haas, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli, 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 secure spots within the final point-scoring ranks.
In 2023, both Hamilton from Mercedes and Leclerc faced disqualification at the US Grand Prix in Austin due to excessive tire wear from skidding.
