Before the Formula One season began, Lewis Hamilton immersed himself in Ferrari’s environment, spending time at the Maranello factory to build strong relationships with his new colleagues. His goal was to integrate seamlessly into the team and understand their methods. However, after both he and Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix, Ferrari faces a major setback that demands urgent attention.
The team had never experienced a double disqualification in its 75-year history, making this a particularly embarrassing episode. The infractions were clear-cut: Hamilton’s skid block was worn 0.5mm beyond the limit, while Leclerc’s car was 1kg under the minimum weight requirement. The FIA stated that Ferrari admitted to a “genuine error,” while the team itself described the situation as a “mistake” they would strive to avoid in the future.
The disqualification overshadowed what had initially seemed like a breakthrough weekend. Hamilton secured pole position and triumphed in the sprint race, finally delivering the level of performance expected from Ferrari this season. The team appeared ready to challenge at the front, raising hopes of a competitive campaign. However, a dramatic reversal followed. Changes to the car’s setup before the main race proved detrimental. Despite starting from fifth and sixth on the grid, both drivers struggled for pace. Hamilton even allowed Leclerc to pass him in an attempt to improve the team’s overall performance, but the new tyres brought little improvement, leaving both far behind the leaders.
The post-race disqualification only compounded Ferrari’s woes. Losing 18 crucial points, the team now trails championship leaders McLaren by 61 points after just two races and finds itself shockingly tied with Williams. The situation is far from ideal for a team aspiring to compete for the title.
A similar situation occurred in 2023 when both Hamilton, then with Mercedes, and Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, were disqualified from the US Grand Prix due to excessive skid block wear. At the time, teams attributed the issue to a bumpy track and the limited setup time of a sprint weekend. This year, however, the resurfaced Shanghai circuit was praised for its smoothness, making Ferrari’s miscalculation even more difficult to justify.
It may be a case of the team pushing the limits too aggressively. Ferrari’s leadership has previously emphasized the necessity of being on the edge in every aspect of the car’s design, from weight to aerodynamics. While this approach is crucial in a highly competitive sport, it carries inherent risks.
With the next race in Japan approaching, Ferrari’s management will be under intense scrutiny. The team principal has focused on maintaining stability and avoiding a culture of blame, aiming to foster a positive environment that enables growth. This approach has been credited with improving team cohesion and morale. However, how Ferrari responds to this latest setback will be crucial.
Key questions must be addressed in the debrief. Did pressure to close the gap to McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull lead to overly aggressive decision-making? Was the inconsistency of the car’s performance influencing strategic choices? These concerns will require honest evaluation and swift corrective measures.
Ferrari has a history of reacting dramatically to internal challenges, sometimes leading to instability. Avoiding such pitfalls this time will be essential. The team must refocus, correct its course, and remain united. This will be a significant test of leadership and resilience, requiring a collective effort to move forward successfully.
