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Excitement turns to disappointment for Ferrari and Hamilton
The recent Chinese Grand Prix was filled with excitement and anticipation, but it ended in disappointment for Ferrari fans and Lewis Hamilton supporters alike. Both Charles Leclerc and Hamilton faced disqualification due to technical infractions, shaking up the race results and leaving fans in disbelief. The drama unfolded during post-race scrutineering, where it was revealed that Leclerc’s and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly’s cars were found to weigh 799 kg after fuel was removed, just below the minimum weight limit of 800 kg.
Leclerc’s situation was particularly complicated. His car had suffered damage during the race, leading to a replacement of the front wing with a spare. However, after the fuel was drained, the car’s weight dropped below the required limit, prompting the FIA to take action. FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer explained the situation, noting that the car was weighed multiple times, and each time it fell short of the minimum weight requirement. This oversight cost Leclerc a potential double points finish, a significant blow for the Scuderia.
Hamilton’s skid block woes
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s disqualification stemmed from excessive wear on the rearmost underbody skid block of his car. The FIA reported that the skid blocks measured between 8.5 to 8.6 mm, below the minimum thickness of 9 mm. This technical violation was also confirmed during the stewards’ hearing, where Hamilton’s team acknowledged the mistake without any excuses. The disqualification not only impacted Hamilton’s race but also altered the standings, allowing other drivers to capitalize on the situation.
Impact on the championship standings
The ramifications of these disqualifications were felt throughout the championship standings. With Leclerc and Hamilton losing their fifth and sixth-place finishes, the results were reshuffled dramatically. Esteban Ocon of Haas moved up to a surprising fifth place, while other drivers like Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Alex Albon also benefited from the changes. This shake-up highlights the competitive nature of Formula 1, where every detail counts and technical regulations must be strictly adhered to.
As the season progresses, both Ferrari and Hamilton will need to regroup and learn from these mistakes. The stakes are high in Formula 1, and with each race, the pressure mounts. Fans are left wondering how these developments will influence the championship race and whether Ferrari can bounce back from this setback. The excitement of the sport continues, and as always, the next race promises to be just as thrilling.