Chinese Grand Prix Shake-Up: Hamilton, Leclerc, and Gasly Disqualified
The Chinese Grand Prix results have been dramatically altered after Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly were disqualified due to technical infringements.
Leclerc initially finished fifth after losing a late battle with Max Verstappen, while Hamilton settled for sixth following an unsuccessful two-stop strategy. Gasly, who finished just outside the points in 11th, also fell victim to post-race inspections.
FIA Disqualifications Shake Up the Grid
Following Parc Ferme inspections by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer, all three drivers were found in breach of regulations. Leclerc and Gasly’s cars were deemed underweight by 1kg, while Hamilton’s plank wear exceeded the permitted limit. As a result, all three were disqualified, altering the final race standings.
Promotions and Points Redistribution
The disqualifications benefitted several drivers further down the order. Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz, who initially finished outside the top 10, were promoted into the points. Additionally, Kimi Antonelli, Esteban Ocon, Alex Albon, and Oliver Bearman all moved up the rankings, securing crucial points for their respective teams.
Ferrari and Alpine accepted full responsibility for the violations, acknowledging them as “genuine errors” with no mitigating circumstances.
Updated Chinese Grand Prix Results
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Alex Albon (Williams)
- Oliver Bearman (Haas)
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
- Carlos Sainz (Williams)
What’s Next?
With the season heating up, the FIA’s strict enforcement of regulations sends a clear message. The disqualifications may prove costly for Hamilton, Leclerc, and Gasly in the long run, but for others, it’s an unexpected opportunity to climb the rankings.
