Explained: F1 Car Skid Block! Why Hamilton disqualified from 2025 Chinese GP?

When you think of F1 technology, images of high-tech aerodynamics, state-of-the-art engines, and cutting-edge materials likely come to mind. But beneath the shiny, streamlined exteriors of these machines lies a crucial, often overlooked component—the skid block, or as it’s fondly called, the “plank.”

Introduced in 1994, the skid block was designed with one simple mission: safety. It ensures cars maintain a minimum ride height, preventing them from skimming too close to the tarmac. Why does this matter? Well, it limits the downforce a car can generate, keeping cornering speeds in check and reducing the risk of catastrophic accidents.

Made from a blend of durable materials like carbon fiber and titanium, the skid block is built to endure the intense demands of F1 racing. During high-speed races, you’ve probably seen mesmerizing sparks fly as cars graze the track—those dramatic visuals are often thanks to this plank doing its job.

But this component isn’t just for show. It’s regulated strictly. If it wears down by more than 1mm during a race, the car can face disqualification, as it indicates an illegally low ride height. This rule keeps the playing field level while safeguarding drivers and their high-speed marvels.

In a sport where innovation takes center stage, the skid block quietly plays its part, balancing performance with safety. Next time you catch an F1 race, give a nod to this unsung hero sparking up the tracks.

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Chaos in Shanghai: Ferrari’s Nightmare at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix

The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix will go down in history as a race filled with drama, heartbreak, and unexpected twists. Ferrari’s weekend, which began with high hopes, ended in disaster as both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc faced disqualification from the final results due to breaches of technical regulations.

For Hamilton, the issue lay beneath his car. Post-race inspections revealed that the rear skid block on his Ferrari fell short of the minimum thickness required by the FIA. Measurements showed 8.6mm on the left-hand side and centerline, and 8.5mm on the right-hand side—below the mandated 9mm minimum outlined in Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations. This seemingly minor infraction led to his disqualification, wiping out his hard-earned points.

Leclerc’s disqualification was equally crushing. Initially finishing fifth, his Ferrari was found to be underweight during post-race checks, violating the minimum weight limit. The Monegasque driver’s hopes of salvaging a strong result were dashed, leaving Ferrari reeling from the double blow.

Adding to the chaos, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was also disqualified for the same weight breach as Leclerc. Gasly, who had finished 11th, saw his result nullified, marking a tough start to the season for Alpine, which remains the only team yet to score points in 2025.

The disqualifications triggered a reshuffling of the final standings. Esteban Ocon, Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, and Ollie Bearman all moved up two positions, while Lance Stroll and Carlos Sainz were elevated into the top 10 to claim the last points-paying spots.

Ferrari’s nightmare in Shanghai serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of Formula 1 regulations. As the season progresses, teams will need to ensure meticulous compliance to avoid similar heartbreaks.

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What are the skid block rules?

A document released following the hearing reads: “The plank assembly of Car 44 was measured and found to be 8.6mm (LHS), 8.6mm (car centerline) and 8.5mm (RHS). 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 Stewards determine that Article 3.5.9 of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Regulations has been breached and therefore the standard penalty of a disqualification needs to be applied for such an infringement.”