We didn’t have to wait long into the 2025 Formula 1 season for the first disqualifications. Following the Chinese Grand Prix, Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were both ruled out of the race and lost their points for the team.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri dominated the race, and all eyes were on his team, with his teammate Lando Norris finishing second. Mercedes’ George Russell, former teammate of Hamilton, secured third place. While the race featured several notable moments, the most attention-grabbing story was the disqualifications of Ferrari’s drivers.
Since the Australian Grand Prix last weekend, the F1 world has been buzzing about the controversial modifications found on McLaren’s car. Although the changes weren’t deemed illegal, some speculated that they gave the team an unfair advantage. Now, it’s Ferrari’s car specifications that have come under scrutiny, leading to the disqualifications of Hamilton and Leclerc.
The official F1 statement on social media confirmed Hamilton’s disqualification from the Chinese GP due to “excessive skid wear” on his car, while Leclerc’s disqualification was due to his car being “underweight.” As a result, Ferrari will lose the 18 points they earned in China from Leclerc’s fifth-place finish and Hamilton’s sixth-place finish.
Another driver disqualified from the China GP
In a turn of events similar to Charles Leclerc’s disqualification, another driver was removed from the race results despite being listed. Alpine team leader Pierre Gasly faced the same fate as Leclerc, with his car found “underweight” by Formula 1 officials.
As Gasly did not score points during the race, his disqualification allowed several other drivers to move up the standings and earn valuable points. Among the beneficiaries was former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr., who gained an advantage from the ruling.
Sainz Jr. secured his first points for Williams and will now aim for higher positions in upcoming races. However, with F1 closely scrutinizing car modifications, his path forward may not be as easy. Other drivers who benefited from the disqualifications included Lance Stroll, Oliver Bearman, Esteban Ocon, Kimi Antonelli, and Alex Albon.
Final standings from the 2025 Chinese GP
The disqualifications significantly altered the standings at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, reshuffling the top 10 and impacting the overall driver standings for the season. Here’s a look at the revised positions:
- Oscar Piastri (25 points)
- Lando Norris (18 points)
- George Russell (15 points)
- Max Verstappen (12 points)
- Esteban Ocon (up 2 positions – 10 points)
- Kimi Antonelli (up 2 positions – 8 points)
- Alex Albon (up 2 positions – 6 points)
- Oliver Bearman (up 2 positions – 4 points)
- Lance Stroll (up 3 positions – 2 points)
- Carlos Sainz Jr. (up 3 positions – 1 point)