Ferrari finds unexpected fluid loss in Leclerc’s car post-race, raising concerns over the drink system’s role in his China disqualification.
One of the possible reasons behind Charles Leclerc’s recent disqualification at the Chinese Grand Prix may have been hiding in plain sight—his hydration system.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur had initially explained the disqualification as the result of multiple factors: excessive tire wear due to a one-stop strategy and missing components from the front wing. But now, there’s a new twist.
After technical checks back at the factory, Ferrari discovered an unexpected one-liter loss from Leclerc’s on-board drink system. That seemingly minor leak might have been enough to push the car over the minimum weight limit post-race.
Hydration Tricks Now Under Fire
It turns out that Ferrari isn’t alone. Several teams reportedly use the driver’s hydration system as a clever weight buffer—an area where a small margin can make all the difference. Typically, if a driver drinks more than expected, teams compensate by saving a bit of fuel. But if there’s a leak that goes unnoticed during the race, it’s already too late.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Leclerc has had water issues. Back in Australia, he experienced another leak—this time caught mid-race, leading to a lighthearted radio moment with his race engineer.
“Is there a leak?” Leclerc asked.
“My seat is soaked.”
His engineer, Bryan Bozzi, replied: “It must be… water.”
To which Leclerc laughed, “Add that to your words of wisdom.”
In response to this latest incident, Ferrari will now investigate and likely overhaul the SF-25’s hydration system to avoid any further surprises.
Leclerc’s Water Bottle Blamed in Ferrari DQ Mystery
Leclerc’s Water Bottle Blamed in Ferrari DQ Mystery
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