Lewis Hamilton’s disqualification from the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix has reignited debates over FIA’s technical regulations, particularly concerning post-race inspections and their consistency. The ruling, which also saw Charles Leclerc disqualified, was based on excessive skid block wear—an infraction that Ferrari has since argued was influenced by the track’s bumps and aggressive setup choices. The decision has sparked criticism from Ferrari and a number of other teams, who believe the regulations need to be updated to reflect real-world racing conditions more accurately.
### The Aftermath of the Disqualification
Hamilton and Leclerc’s disqualifications drastically altered the final race classification, benefitting rival teams such as McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull. Ferrari, which had been aiming to strengthen its position in the constructors’ championship, found itself with a significant points deficit. Meanwhile, drivers who initially finished lower in the standings moved up, reshaping both the drivers’ and teams’ title races.
For Hamilton, this disqualification was particularly frustrating. Having joined Ferrari for the 2025 season in pursuit of an eighth world title, he had been building momentum after a strong start to the year. Losing valuable points due to a technicality rather than an on-track mistake has fueled discussions about whether the FIA needs to revise its regulations to ensure fairer enforcement.
### Calls for a Rule Change
Ferrari’s disqualification has led to renewed scrutiny of the FIA’s methods of enforcing technical regulations. Critics argue that certain infractions, like excessive skid block wear, do not always result from an intentional rules violation but can be influenced by factors such as track conditions and race dynamics. Many within the paddock are now calling for a more flexible approach, where teams can appeal technical infringements based on mitigating circumstances.
One of the main proposals being discussed is the introduction of a warning or minor penalty system for infractions that do not provide a clear competitive advantage. Some argue that rather than an outright disqualification, penalties should be scaled based on the severity of the infraction. Others suggest that teams should be given a chance to explain their case before a final decision is made.
Another suggestion is for the FIA to improve the consistency of its post-race inspections. Currently, only a limited number of cars are checked after each race, meaning some infractions may go unnoticed. Expanding these checks to include more cars—or even implementing random inspections throughout the season—could ensure that all teams are held to the same standard.
### The Bigger Picture
Hamilton’s disqualification is not the first time FIA regulations have been called into question, and it likely won’t be the last. In the past, teams and drivers have expressed frustration over inconsistencies in rule enforcement, and this latest incident has only added to those concerns. The FIA now faces pressure to address these issues before they impact the championship standings further.
For Ferrari and Hamilton, the focus will be on bouncing back from this setback and regaining momentum in the upcoming races. However, the controversy surrounding their disqualification could have lasting implications, potentially leading to a shift in how F1 enforces its technical regulations in the future.