Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Charles Leclerc did not blame Lewis Hamilton after finishing fifth in the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix Sprint. Instead, he said he was uncomfortable in the Ferrari, had struggled at Shanghai, and needed to improve. Hamilton won the 19-lap race; Leclerc finished 12.190 seconds behind him.
What happened in the China Sprint?
The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix Sprint took place at Shanghai International Circuit on 22 March, during a race weekend scheduled for 21–23 March. Hamilton won for Ferrari in 30:39.965. Leclerc, who started fourth, was passed by George Russell and finished fifth. The FIA classification put Leclerc 12.190 seconds behind Hamilton. Formula 1’s event results and the FIA final sprint classification record the order and times.
| Position | Driver | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lewis Hamilton | 30:39.965 |
| 2 | Oscar Piastri | Not stated here; see the FIA classification |
| 3 | Max Verstappen | Not stated here; see the FIA classification |
| 4 | George Russell | Not stated here; see the FIA classification |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | 12.190 seconds behind Hamilton |
The FIA’s 22 March 2025 classification lists the race as 19 laps and awards eight sprint points to Hamilton and four to Leclerc.
What did Leclerc say about Hamilton?
Leclerc praised Hamilton rather than accusing him of causing the result. Speaking to media after the sprint, he said: “I wouldn’t really blame the car because Lewis is doing a great job with it, so for me, it’s me really, until now I haven’t been comfortable with the car as it is.”
#1 Best Overall
- Officially licensed Ferrari Die-Cast Race Vehicle in 1:24 scale
- Collectible quality True-to-scale detailed vehicle
- Die-cast metal body with plastic parts
- 1:24 Scale Vehicle with Leclerc #16 Figure
After sprint qualifying, Leclerc had described the gap within the Ferrari garage this way: “I struggled on my side of the garage. From the beginning, I felt like I was a step back compared to Lewis and Lewis was just faster today.” Both statements were reported by Motorsport.com.
Why was Leclerc unhappy with his performance?
He was not comfortable in the Ferrari
Leclerc said his discomfort with the car was his responsibility to address. He acknowledged taking a somewhat different setup direction from Hamilton, but did not present setup as the complete explanation for the performance gap.
Rank #2
- Ferrari Die-Cast Race Vehicle in 1/18 scale
- Authentic Race car details
- #16 Charles Leclerc
Shanghai’s opening corners were a recurring difficulty
Leclerc singled out Turns 1, 2 and 3, saying: “I struggled a lot in Turns 1, 2 and 3, which is more or less the same struggles I had as last year, so that’s a bit of a shame but apart from that, everything was quite tight.” He also said he had historically struggled at the track and needed to react.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Did Leclerc blame Hamilton for finishing fifth?
No. The available post-sprint comments attribute self-criticism to Leclerc and praise to Hamilton. Leclerc described his own comfort and performance issues; the reporting does not support framing the result as a personal dispute or a complaint about Hamilton.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ferrari Die-Cast Race Vehicle in 1/43 scale
- 6 Piece Pit Crew
- 1 Plastic Paddock garage with pit lane
Rank #4
- Authorized Ferrari F1 model car – Officially licensed by Ferrari, 1/18 scaled back on real Ferrari F1-75 car; Revealed on Februrary 17,2022, the Ferrari F1-75 is a car designed and constructed by Ferrari to compete in the 2022 season, powered by Ferrari engines and driven by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. 1:18 scale model measures 12.3 x 4.4 x 2.7 inch
- Highly-detailed replication – Creative design with Rosso hue livery features the pointed nose tip, aggressive front wing, full-bodies shark fin and side fins; Built-in 4-wheel independent suspension system and rear power motor of high intensity magnetic together with differential mechanism makes the Ferrari F1 toy car run smoothly on a smooth surface like concrete, wood or asphalt though, no carpet
- Full functions - Fast and easy to control, the Rastar F1 car moves forwards and backwards, turns left & right with a max speed of 5 mph; Radio remote range up to 98 feet; Frequency available in 2.4GHz, you'll never get any radio interference, which enable multiple cars to racing together at the same time and place
- Batteries powered - Requires 3 x AA for the Ferrari F1 car model and 2 x AA for the remote, batteries NOT included; package includes 1 x 1/18 F1-75 Ferrari model, 1 x remote and stickers of car body for DIY fun
- 100% Satisfaction - Factory assembled, ready to run; Ideal as a gift for both children who are passionate about remote control cars and for teenagers and adults who are supporters of the Ferrari Prancing Horse
Rank #3
- Ferrari Die-Cast Race Vehicle in 1/43 scale
- Authentic Race Car and Driver's Helmet Details
- Acrylic Box with Decorative Sleeve
- 2025 Season Car
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
