Verstappen uses clever tactic after Chinese GP victory

The 2025 Chinese GP became a historic moment for Oscar Piastri who secured his first pole position and maiden victory of the season — followed by the disqualification of three drivers: Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly.

Attention later shifted to footage showing Max Verstappen deliberately driving through grass near the pit lane after the race — a tactic to add weight before technical inspection.

F1’s 2025 regulations mandate a minimum car weight of 800kg including the driver but excluding fuel. Drivers typically collect tire rubber marbles and track debris to add weight — a strategy permitted within the rules.

The new abrasive surface characteristics of the Shanghai Circuit didn’t have significant effect on tires, leading most teams to choose one-stop strategies. Tires used for longer distances lost about one kilogram of rubber during the race — a similar issue that led to George Russell’s disqualification at Spa last year.