Formula 1 Skid Block Explanation: Reason Behind Lewis Hamilton's Disqualification at 2025 Chinese Grand Prix
Wrecked Weekend for Hamilton at 2025 Chinese Grand Prix:
It was a disappointing turn of events for Lewis Hamilton after a triumphant start to the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. The Brit, racing for Ferrari, had clinched an unexpected victory in Saturday's sprint race, securely securing pole position the day prior.
However, things took a drastic turn on race day, Sunday.
The drama began on the opening lap when Hamilton experienced a collision with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, damaging his front wing. Troubles continued as Hamilton struggled to maintain pace throughout the race. Despite being given a two-stop strategy in the hopes of fresh tires offering a boost, it proved futile, resulting in a sixth-place finish. His teammates Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, along with Lando Norris, dominated the event, finishing 1-2 for McLaren — a far cry from Hamilton's aspirations.
However, the misery didn't stop there. Post-race checks uncovered that the plank assembly on Hamilton's Ferrari fell below the minimum thickness required by FIA regulations, specifically measuring 8.6mm at two points and 8.5mm at another (confirmed 9mm minimum). Consequently, he was disqualified, stripping him of the eight championship points he had earned for the sixth-place finish. This disqualification added to the humiliation as both Leclerc and Pierre Gasly incurred the same fate due to their cars falling short of the minimum required weight[6].
Experiencing a similar disqualification for excessive plank wear at the 2023 United States Grand Prix at Austin, this was not the first time Hamilton faced the consequences for such a violation[7].
Unsurprisingly, the FIA released a statement, asserting that Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations had been breached, thus causing the automatic disqualification.
The importance of skid blocks and planks in F1 cannot be overstated — they maintain minimum ride height, preventing cars from grinding on the ground and gaining an unfair advantage. These crucial components allowed Ferrari to ensure a minimum ride height while safeguarding their cars from damage during high-speed maneuvers [8].
As part of their mission to preserve fairness and safety within the sport, the FIA checks the thickness of the plank assembly after races using five 10-mm deep and 50-mm diameter holes drilled into the plank or skid blocks. If the thickness falls below the mandated 9mm, the car is deemed out of compliance with FIA technical regulations and, hence, disqualified[8].
From the moment they were introduced in 1994 after the tragic deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger, planks have played a key role in enhancing both safety and competitiveness in Formula 1[8]. Despite stringent regulations, instances of disqualifications continue to surface, further underscoring the need to abide by these ground rules.
[Enhancement Data: In Formula 1, skid blocks, also referred to as planks, are crucial for maintaining minimum ride height, enhancing safety, and ensuring competitive fairness[9]. They were introduced in 1994 following the tragic deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger.
To preserve safety and fairness, FIA regulations mandate the thickness of skid blocks to be 10mm when new, with a tolerance of ±0.2mm[5]. There is also a minimum thickness requirement of 9mm due to wear, a rule that was enforced during the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, ultimately leading to the disqualification of drivers Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly[1][3][5]. These components are checked after every race using five designated holes to ensure conformity[8].]
- Lewis Hamilton's weekend at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix took a tragic turn when his Ferrari was disqualified due to a breach of FIA regulations, specifically the insufficient thickness of the plank assembly on his car.
- Despite the tragic disqualification, it's important to remember that skid blocks, like the one on Hamilton's Ferrari, play a crucial role in Formula 1, preventing cars from grinding on the ground and ensuring fair competition.
- The tragic disqualification of Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly during the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the regulations set by the FIA, especially as it pertains to the thickness of skid blocks, which were introduced after the tragic deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger in 1994.
