BREAKING: Flurry of F1 Stars Hit by FIA Deleted Lap After...read more

Flurry of F1 Stars Hit by FIA Deleted Lap Ruling at Monaco Grand Prix

A host of Formula 1 drivers were hit with deleted lap times during Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix, as the FIA released the full list of infractions following the race. Despite a rule change intended to reinvigorate the event for 2025, the spectacle many fans hoped for around the tight streets of Monte Carlo remained elusive.

George Russell was among the most visibly frustrated, opting to take a time penalty rather than return a position to Williams’ Alex Albon after controversially cutting the Nouvelle Chicane to complete an overtake. The move, along with several other laps, was deleted from Russell’s race by the FIA post-race.

He wasn’t alone. The FIA’s published list showed that ten drivers in total had laps deleted for various infringements. Alongside Russell were top names including Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Nico Hulkenberg, as well as Kimi Antonelli, Ollie Bearman, Lance Stroll, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda.

While repeated violations of track limits can typically attract further sporting penalties, the FIA has confirmed no additional action will be taken against the drivers involved.

Driver Frustrations Mount Over Monaco Format

Beyond the penalties, discontent brewed in the paddock. Though Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri celebrated podium finishes, several others voiced frustrations with the new race format, which included a mandatory two-stop strategy.

Russell, in a sarcastic post-race comment, suggested adding “sprinklers” to spice up future Monaco GPs. Verstappen echoed the sentiment, jokingly proposing the inclusion of Mario Kart-style banana peels. Albon, meanwhile, issued a public apology to fans, admitting “that was not how we wanted to go racing.”

Despite the controversy, Norris’ win tightened the drivers’ championship battle, putting him just three points behind McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri as the field turns its focus to the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.