F1 Stars Penalized by FIA for Deleted Laps at Monaco Grand Prix

Multiple Formula 1 drivers faced post-race penalties in the form of deleted lap times at Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix, as the FIA released a comprehensive list of infractions. Despite new rules introduced to refresh the event for 2025, the anticipated excitement around Monte Carlo’s iconic circuit remained largely unrealized.

George Russell was among those most affected, choosing to accept a time penalty rather than yield a position back to Alex Albon after a contentious move through the Nouvelle Chicane. The FIA subsequently removed the lap from Russell’s record, along with several others.

He was far from alone—ten drivers in total had laps erased for various rule breaches. Notable names included Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Nico Hulkenberg, as well as Kimi Antonelli, Ollie Bearman, Lance Stroll, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda.

Although such violations can sometimes lead to additional sporting penalties, the FIA confirmed no further disciplinary action will follow.

Frustration Grows Over Monaco GP Format

Beyond the penalties, dissatisfaction with the revamped format simmered throughout the paddock. While Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri stood on the podium, several other drivers criticized the race’s mandatory two-stop strategy.

Russell, speaking with sarcasm, suggested adding “sprinklers” to future Monaco races to make them more interesting, while Verstappen jokingly proposed Mario Kart-style banana peels. Albon publicly apologized to fans, admitting, “that was not how we wanted to go racing.”

Despite the drama, Norris’ victory brought him within three points of McLaren teammate Piastri in the championship standings, as attention now shifts to the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.