Ferrari axed ‘borderline’ part from Lewis Hamilton’s car after Chinese GP disqualification warning

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It appears Ferrari backtracked on a potential upgrade ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix to try and avoid a repeat of last year’s double disqualification.

Ferrari had a successful weekend in Shanghai, with Lewis Hamilton securing his first podium with the team since joining in 2025.

After last year’s bitter double disqualification in the Chinese Grand Prix, this is a great reversal in fortune for Ferrari, as they look to find their competitive edge against Mercedes.

A maiden Grand Prix win for Kimi Antonelli, as well as a first podium appearance for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari! 🍾

What was your favourite moment of Antonelli's debut win?

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Ahead of the weekend, fans were excited Ferrari brought their ‘Macarena’ wing to Shanghai, as it was one of the most talked-about innovations coming into the season.

Ferrari also introduced ‘halo wings’ to both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s cars on the weekend. However, they decided to remove the parts ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix to avoid any post-race scrutiny from the FIA.

READ MORE: Ted Kravitz believes Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur disagree on how to improve Ferrari’s car

Ferrari decided against halo wings amid concerns of a possible disqualification

According to Jon Noble of The Race, Ferrari opted against using their new halo wings ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, despite using them during the Sprint Race.

Under Parc Ferme’s rules, Ferrari opted against bringing the halo wings into the Chinese Grand Prix, because of reported concerns about their legality in the eyes of the FIA.

It appears there were some discussions that took place between the FIA and Ferrari over the new innovation, and the FIA may have hinted at there being post-race scrutiny over the halo wings.

“A senior source at Ferrari explained that there was some debate about the wings being “borderline” in the regulations.”

“So, Ferrari felt that it was not worth the risk of any post-race trouble if the FIA took a stance against them or a rival team opted to protest.”

READ MORE: FIA now considering mid-season rule change that would greatly benefit Ferrari and Aston Martin

Ferrari abandoned their Macarena rear wing before Sprint Qualifying due to reliability concerns

Did Ferrari make a mistake? Let us know!

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Ferrari could use Bahrain and Saudi Arabia cancellations to work out new additions

Ultimately, the removal of the halo wings didn’t do too much to disrupt Ferrari’s performance at the Chinese Grand Prix.

As expected, they remained competitive with Mercedes, even if both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell ultimately proved to be faster on the track.

Despite missing out on a podium, Charles Leclerc was thrilled with his battle with Lewis Hamilton, noting that it was a positive sign for Ferrari’s competitiveness this season.

However, Ferrari fans may not have to wait too long to see the halo wings, along with the Macarena wing, make their return to the car.

With the now-confirmed cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races, Ferrari will get a five-week window after this weekend’s race in Japan to work on upgrades and get them cleared by the FIA.

So, there is a chance that these new additions could make their race debut for Ferrari in Miami, giving them an edge in their fight against Mercedes.