Why Lewis Hamilton was almost disqualified at the 2025 Australian GP

Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated debut with Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 season was marred by performance struggles and concerns over potential disqualification, according to reports from Italian media. The seven-time world champion finished the Australian Grand Prix in a disappointing 10th place, scoring just a single point in what was a lackluster race for the Maranello-based team.



Ferrari’s Performance Woes in Australia



Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, also struggled, managing only an eighth-place finish. Ferrari found itself trailing McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull throughout the weekend, unable to match their pace. The underwhelming performance raised questions about Ferrari’s race setup and preparation.



Simulator Errors Blamed for Poor Setup



According to Motorsport Italia, Ferrari’s difficulties in Melbourne stemmed from incorrect simulator data that miscalculated the ideal car setup. The report indicates that the simulator-derived setup resulted in the car running too close to the ground when deployed on the actual track.



While teams generally aim to run their cars as low as possible to maximize aerodynamic efficiency, Formula 1 regulations limit how much the car can scrape along the ground. Ferrari had already experienced disqualification in the 2023 U.S. Grand Prix due to excessive wear on skid blocks, a mistake they were keen to avoid repeating.



To ensure compliance with FIA regulations, Ferrari opted to modify their setup before the race. However, this last-minute adjustment negatively impacted their overall race pace, preventing both Hamilton and Leclerc from competing at the front.



Ferrari Faces a ‘Serious Problem’



The reports suggest that the issues encountered in Australia could pose a significant problem for Ferrari’s SF-25 design, particularly if the team continues to struggle with simulator accuracy. With Ferrari aiming to secure its first championship title since 2008, resolving these discrepancies will be critical as the season progresses.
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