Ferrari's Double Chinese GP Disqualification Marks Dramatic 24-Hour Fall
Ferrari's rapid performance swing at the Chinese Grand Prix highlighted significant operational challenges for the team. After Lewis Hamilton's Sprint victory brought optimism, technical infractions led to both Ferrari cars being disqualified from Sunday's main race.
Hamilton's car failed post-race inspection due to excessive skid block wear, while Charles Leclerc's car was found underweight - issues that the team should have anticipated given similar past incidents in F1.
Ferrari mechanics inspect Formula 1 car
The race initially showed promise, with both drivers making strong starts. Hamilton passed Verstappen for fourth, with Leclerc following through. However, contact between the teammates damaged Leclerc's front wing, though pace remained competitive initially.
Performance gradually declined throughout the race, with Ferrari proving to be the fourth-fastest car. Neither driver could maintain pressure on George Russell ahead, while Max Verstappen eventually passed both Ferraris during his recovery drive.
The double disqualification particularly stings as:
- Hamilton's skid block wear was preventable with proper setup
- Leclerc's weight issue occurred despite warnings from past incidents
- The team drops behind Williams in the constructors' championship
- McLaren now holds a 61-point advantage early in the season
Team Principal Fred Vasseur, known for maintaining calm during Ferrari's ups and downs, faces a significant challenge in steadying the team. While Hamilton urged against hasty judgments after just two races, Ferrari's self-inflicted errors echo problems from before Vasseur's tenure.
The team acknowledged these mistakes in a statement, committing to learn and improve. However, with competitors like McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull showing strong form, Ferrari must quickly address these operational issues to remain competitive in the championship fight.
Vasseur's immediate priority will be ensuring better coordination across the team and preventing similar technical infractions in upcoming races. Despite Hamilton's Sprint success, Ferrari's Chinese Grand Prix ultimately highlighted the significant work still needed to achieve consistent race-winning form.