Charles Leclerc’s disqualification at the Chinese Grand Prix, explained

Charles Leclerc performed brilliantly at the Chinese Grand Prix, finishing fifth. This caused the front end plate next to the left tire to fall completely, despite damaging his front wing on the opening lap of the race. The team told him that the loss of the end plate is worth a 30-point aerodynamic loss, Approximately 0.30 seconds With the wrap.

Still, Leclerc held himself on his tracks with that loss, fighting Max Verstappen, showing an incredible pace even in aerodynamic losses.

But it was all in vain.

Following Race Formula 1, the technical representatives carried out them Conventional post-race inspectionall the car weights were included. Leclerc's SF-25 – Car No. 16 – F1 Technology Regulations:

As you can see, the Pierre Gasly A525 also failed this test, and he was also featured in the hearing.

The issue took place at 6:28 PM local time and was introduced to Race Stewards for a hearing attended by Leclerc itself. At the hearing, it was outlined that Leclerc's SF-25 was 799 kg after a conventional discharge of fuel and replacement of the broken front wing.

Leclerc did not try to measure, nor did it have a process of weighing the car. The driver admitted that it was a “real error” by the team and there were no mitigation factors.

As stated in the decision, a penalty for violation of Article 4.1 of the FIA ​​Formula 1 Technical Rules is disqualified. As stated in the decision, they replaced the front wing of the Leclerc, so the damage he suffered on the opening lap is not a reason he didn't make any weight.

The penalty reflects what happened to George Russell at the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix. That day, Russell was one of the few drivers who would implement a one-stop strategy, continuing 34 laps on a set of hard tires, closing the race and filming the checkered flag on P1.

However, Russell failed to meet his minimum weight and was disqualified after a post-race examination. Following the race, many pointed to the one-stop strategy and excessive wear on Russell's hard tires as reasons to make weight.

In a brief statement, Ferrari pointed to a one-stop strategy as the reason behind Leclerc's disqualification.

The disqualification, along with the DQ that Lewis Hamilton suffered, erases what was a double point afternoon for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix.