Breaking: Hamilton and Verstappen hit with DELETED laps at…read more
Hamilton and Verstappen hit with DELETED laps at…read more
The 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix turned into a challenging finale for Formula 1, with multiple drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, facing deleted lap times due to track limit violations. The issue kept race stewards busy, as the Yas Marina Circuit’s lack of gravel traps and abundance of run-off areas presented persistent challenges.
A post-race FIA document revealed that a total of 28 laps were deleted for track limit infringements, primarily at Turns 1, 6, and 11. These corners were under strict monitoring throughout the weekend in compliance with Article 12.4.1.e of the FIA International Sporting Code.
Among the offenders, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll stood out with four deleted laps, eventually earning a five-second time penalty. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri narrowly avoided a similar penalty, exceeding track limits three times during the race. Meanwhile, Verstappen and Hamilton each had a single lap invalidated.
The issue of track limits was a hot topic throughout the weekend. The Yas Marina Circuit’s run-off areas are designed for safety but make it easier for drivers to push the boundaries. This led to stewards closely examining laps for potential violations. The deleted laps impacted drivers from across the grid, including prominent names such as Charles Leclerc, Fernando Alonso, and George Russell.
The table of deleted laps revealed details of infringements, with times and laps for each driver listed. Stroll’s deleted laps included times of 1:30.505, 1:29.963, 1:30.032, and 1:29.126, underscoring his struggles with maintaining track limits. Verstappen’s infraction occurred at 17:16:24, with a lap time of 1:29.445, while Hamilton’s violation happened later in the race at 18:16:16, with a lap time of 1:27.490. Other notable names included Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and Carlos Sainz, highlighting how widespread the issue was during the event.
Despite the challenges, the race wrapped up without major controversies, though the deleted laps served as a reminder of the need for drivers to balance aggression with precision. As Formula 1 looks ahead to the 2024 season, the persistent track limits debate may prompt further discussions about circuit design and enforcement to ensure fair competition.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix may be over, but the controversies surrounding deleted laps will likely remain a talking point for fans and teams alike.
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