Breaking: Lewis Hamilton break silence as FIA double Disqualification am…read more
The controversy surrounding Ferrari’s double disqualification at the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix continues to cast a shadow over the team, with new speculation suggesting that the incident may be playing a significant role in Lewis Hamilton’s ongoing struggles this season. Sky Sports F1 analyst Ted Kravitz believes that the aftershocks of that weekend in Shanghai are still being felt—not just in the standings, but in how Ferrari operates, and how Hamilton is performing behind the wheel.
The Chinese Grand Prix was supposed to be a turning point for Ferrari. After a shaky beginning to their 2024 campaign, both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc appeared to deliver solid results, finishing inside the points and showing signs of momentum. It was a much-needed boost for a team that had been seeking consistency. But just hours after the race, that sense of optimism was shattered. The FIA’s post-race technical inspections uncovered breaches of key regulations—specifically concerning underfloor plank wear and car weight limits.
As a result, both Ferrari cars were disqualified from the final classification, erasing their points and delivering a stinging blow to the team’s reputation. The issue of excessive plank wear, in particular, raised eyebrows, as it signaled that Ferrari may have been running the cars too low to gain aerodynamic advantages—something strictly regulated by the FIA to ensure fairness and safety.
Ferrari responded swiftly, launching an internal investigation and issuing public apologies to fans. Team leaders admitted their error and pledged to ensure it wouldn’t happen again. But despite those efforts, the fallout appears to be ongoing—especially for Hamilton.
Since the Shanghai race, Hamilton has voiced his concerns about the car’s performance. Despite his tireless preparation and experience, he has struggled to make an impact in recent races. Speaking in post-race interviews, Hamilton has repeatedly said he feels “off the pace” and can’t understand why the car suddenly lacks the edge it showed earlier in the season.
Ted Kravitz may have shed some light on the issue. Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, he suggested that Ferrari’s disqualification may have forced the team into making setup compromises—most notably by increasing the car’s ride height. “The plank wear issue likely scared them into raising the car,” Kravitz said. “It’s a safe move to avoid future disqualifications, but it’s costing them performance.”
In Formula 1, even a small adjustment to ride height can dramatically affect how a car behaves. Lower cars are typically faster, as they generate more aerodynamic downforce, improving grip and lap times. However, running too low can lead to excessive wear on the plank under the car, which the FIA monitors closely. In Shanghai, Ferrari may have pushed the limits too far, and are now overcorrecting.
Kravitz noted that the team’s current conservative setup might be the reason Hamilton and Leclerc are unable to extract full performance from their cars. “It could be that simple,” Kravitz said. “They’re being overly cautious now, which is hurting them on track.”
This theory aligns with Hamilton’s own remarks. He has hinted that the car felt noticeably different after the Chinese GP, and the drop-off in competitiveness since then has been both confusing and frustrating for him.
If Kravitz is right, Ferrari’s problem isn’t a lack of pace in the car itself—it’s their fear of another regulatory breach. In a sport where a few millimeters can decide a race result, erring on the side of caution can mean falling into the midfield. For Ferrari, the challenge now is to regain confidence and find a setup that allows them to compete without crossing regulatory lines.
As for Hamilton, his search for answers continues. Until Ferrari can resolve the balance between compliance and competitiveness, the former champion may continue to find himself battling further down the grid than he—or anyone—expected.
