Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly have been disqualified from the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix following the discovery that their cars were under the minimum weight requirement of 800 kg, as mandated by Article 4.1 of the FIA Formula One Technical Regulations.
The infractions were detected during post-race inspections by the FIA Technical Delegate, who weighed both cars after the customary fuel draining process.
Despite Leclerc’s Ferrari having its damaged front wing replaced with an official spare, his car only weighed 799 kg. Similarly, Gasly’s Alpine was also measured at 799 kg. Both results were verified across two separate scales, confirming a consistent weight discrepancy of one kilogram below the legal limit.
Stewards’ Decision and Official Statements
The FIA stewards, after hearing from the team representatives of both Leclerc (Ferrari) and Gasly (Alpine), concluded that both teams had breached the weight limit regulation.
The Stewards’ report stated: “The calibration of both scales was confirmed and witnessed by the competitor. During the hearing, there was no challenge to the FIA’s measurements, which are taken to be correct, and that all required procedures were performed correctly. There are no mitigating circumstances, and the team confirmed that it was a genuine error by them.”
With the violation confirmed, the standard penalty of disqualification was applied to both drivers. As a result, all other drivers have been promoted one position higher in the official classification.
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What This Means for the Championship Standings
The decision to disqualify Leclerc and Gasly has significant implications for the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship standings.
Leclerc’s impressive drive to fifth place was nullified, costing Ferrari valuable points. Gasly, who finished outside the points in 11th, also faces the same consequence, although the impact on Alpine’s points tally is less severe.
In addition, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll moves up into 10th place, earning him a valuable point. This ruling may also boost the standings of other midfield teams fighting for crucial positions in the Constructors’ Championship.
Although both Ferrari and Alpine have the right to appeal under Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, it appears unlikely given the lack of challenge during the hearing and the acknowledgment of genuine error by both teams.
