FIA Deletes Hamilton and Verstappen Lap Times for Track Violation

FIA Deletes Hamilton and Verstappen Lap Times for Track Violations at Las Vegas…..read more

The Las Vegas Grand Prix brought both triumph and controversy for Formula 1 champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. While both drivers marked notable achievements during the weekend, they also faced challenges due to deleted lap times. Verstappen, crowned the 2024 Formula 1 World Champion, joined the ranks of legends like Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel, reaching his fourth championship title. Despite this milestone, Verstappen’s performance in the race was less dominant, as he finished in P5. Nevertheless, his title was secured as his closest competitor, Lando Norris, finished behind him in P6, ensuring Verstappen’s points lead was insurmountable.

The race also proved to be a standout moment for Mercedes, which has faced numerous challenges in recent seasons. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton achieved a 1-2 finish for the team, with Russell taking the top spot. This impressive result signaled a strong rebound for Mercedes and highlighted Hamilton’s relentless pursuit of top finishes. Despite not securing a victory, Hamilton’s drive from a lower starting position to P2 illustrated his skill and resilience.

Yet, amidst these high points, Hamilton and Verstappen both faced scrutiny from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) for track limit violations at Turn 8. The FIA determined that both drivers had gone off-track during the race, resulting in deleted lap times. Track limits have been a contentious topic in Formula 1, as they are strictly enforced to ensure fair competition. Drivers are penalized if they exceed the defined boundaries, often by just a few centimeters. The Las Vegas Grand Prix highlighted these issues, as both champions were found to have crossed the limits, an action that led to the deletion of their lap times.

In addition to Hamilton and Verstappen, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc also received deleted lap times for similar infractions at Turns 8 and 17. Track limits have been particularly challenging for drivers in high-speed circuits like Las Vegas, where maintaining precise control can be difficult. However, no penalties were issued against any of the drivers for these infractions, and their overall race results remained unchanged. This allowed Mercedes to celebrate its impressive 1-2 finish, and Verstappen to claim his title without further complications.

Despite the deleted laps, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be remembered as a milestone event for both Mercedes and Red Bull. For Verstappen, securing his fourth title places him among the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history, alongside iconic racers such as Prost and Vettel. Verstappen’s rise to four titles underscores his dominance in recent seasons, with Red Bull providing the technical backing to make this achievement possible. His consistent performance throughout the season enabled him to clinch the title even without winning the Las Vegas race, a testament to his strong points advantage over rivals like Norris.

For Mercedes, the Las Vegas GP offered a moment of redemption following a difficult season. Russell’s victory and Hamilton’s second-place finish highlighted the team’s improvements, suggesting that they may be ready to challenge Red Bull and other competitors more consistently. Hamilton, who will be moving to Ferrari in 2025, will be especially motivated to close out his final season with Mercedes on a high note. His goal is to secure an eighth championship title, which would break Michael Schumacher’s long-standing record and add to his legacy as one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers.

Hamilton’s upcoming switch to Ferrari also adds an intriguing layer to the championship dynamics. With Verstappen now holding four titles, Hamilton and Verstappen together boast an impressive total of 11 championships between them. This rivalry, which has defined the recent years in Formula 1, is set to continue as Hamilton seeks to bring Ferrari back to title contention. Many fans anticipate an intense battle between Hamilton, Verstappen, and other emerging talents like Norris in the 2025 season.

While the deleted lap times at the Las Vegas GP serve as a reminder of the strict regulations drivers face, they did not overshadow the weekend’s achievements. Verstappen’s fourth title is a significant accomplishment, and Mercedes’ resurgence offers hope for a more competitive grid in the future. As Formula 1 heads toward the final races of the season, fans can look forward to more exciting battles on track, with Hamilton likely aiming to close his chapter with Mercedes on a strong note before embarking on a new journey with Ferrari.

In conclusion, the Las Vegas Grand Prix showcased a blend of triumph, resilience, and the challenges posed by Formula 1’s rigorous rules. Verstappen’s latest championship solidifies his place among the sport’s elite, while Hamilton’s ambitions remain undeterred as he prepares for a new chapter. Despite the controversy over deleted lap times, both champions displayed their determination and skill, and their rivalry promises to bring continued excitement to Formula 1 fans around the world.