Ferrari explain why Lewis Hamilton rule break occurred after British star was disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix
Ferrari have explained why Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix just hours after the chequered flag in astonishing fashion.
In just his second race for Ferrari since his move from Mercedes, the seven-time world champion was excluded from the final race classification.
Now, the Prancing Horse have explained that his expulsion was due to a ‘genuine error’ made by the team.
A statement on Hamilton’s dismissal from FIA stewards read: ‘The stewards heard from the team representative of Car 44 (Lewis Hamilton).
‘The plank assembly of Car 44 was measured and found to be 8.6mm (LHS), 8.6mm (car centerline) and 8.5mm (RHS).
Ferrari have explained why Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix just hours after the chequered flag in astonishing fashion
In just his second race for Ferrari since his move from Mercedes, the seven-time world champion was excluded from the final race classification
‘This is below the minimum thickness of 9mm specified under Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations.
‘During the hearing the team representative confirmed that the measurement is correct and that all required procedures were performed correctly.
‘The team also acknowledged that there were no mitigating circumstances and that it was a genuine error by the team.’
The seven-time world champion had finished sixth in a race won by Oscar Piastri, but will now be stripped of his eight points.
Hamilton’s team-mate Charle Leclerc was also expelled from the rankings, having finished a place higher than Hamilton for driving an underweight car.
The decision marks the first time in the history of Formula One that both Ferrari drivers have been disqualified from the same race.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who was 11th, was also thrown out for the same reason as Leclerc.
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