BREAKING: FIA CONFIRMS Deleted Lap Times for Verstappen and Hamilton Amid C…read more
BREAKING: FIA CONFIRMS Deleted Lap Times for Verstappen and Hamilton Amid C…read more
Track limits breach adds to Verstappen’s frustration as Piastri claims victory in Jeddah
The FIA has confirmed that Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were among ten drivers who had lap times deleted during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to track limits violations. The decision adds another layer of controversy to an already dramatic race, particularly for Verstappen, who was also hit with a five-second time penalty that significantly impacted his race result.
The key moment unfolded on the opening lap of the race at the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit. After a sluggish start from pole position, Verstappen came under immediate pressure from McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. In a desperate attempt to maintain track position, Verstappen cut the first corner, staying ahead of Piastri but doing so by running off track. Race stewards swiftly responded by issuing a five-second time penalty for gaining an unfair advantage. In addition, the FIA confirmed that Verstappen’s lap one time was officially deleted for exceeding track limits.
The incident proved to be a turning point in the race. Verstappen, who had dominated qualifying and was expected to control the pace from the front, found himself compromised early on. The penalty allowed Piastri to take the lead after the pit stop phase and eventually secure his second career victory and first time leading the championship standings. Verstappen finished in second, just ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, but his frustration was evident throughout.
When informed of the penalty during the race, Verstappen responded with clear sarcasm over team radio, telling race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase: “Well that is f****** lovely.” His frustration carried into the post-race interviews, where he gave only a brief 12-second response before walking away, later stating in the media pen: “The only thing that interests me is going home.”
The FIA’s official document released after the race listed Verstappen, Hamilton, Lando Norris, and seven other drivers as having breached track limits during the race, resulting in lap deletions. While such infractions are typically more common in qualifying, the Jeddah street circuit’s fast layout and narrow run-offs made staying within limits especially difficult during race conditions.
Hamilton’s deleted lap did not have a major impact on his overall finishing position, but the strict enforcement of track boundaries signals the FIA’s continued zero-tolerance approach in 2025. With the season still in its early stages, the governing body appears committed to holding all drivers to the same standard — a move that could shape strategies and race outcomes in the months ahead.
For Verstappen and Red Bull, the Saudi Arabian GP was a case of what might have been. Despite showing strong pace, the combination of a poor launch, a crucial misjudgment on Lap 1, and the resulting penalty ultimately cost them the race win. Still, Verstappen’s second-place finish keeps him firmly in the title hunt, just 12 points adrift of new championship leader Piastri.
All eyes now turn to the Miami Grand Prix in two weeks’ time, where Verstappen will look to bounce back and end Piastri’s growing momentum. The battle at the front of the grid is heating up and with the FIA watching closely, every inch of the racetrack will matter.
