BREAKING NEW'S, FIA Confirms Deleted Lap Times for Red Bul

FIA Confirms Deleted Lap Times for Red Bull and McLaren Drivers at Japanese Grand Prix

The FIA has officially confirmed the deletion of multiple lap times for Red Bull and McLaren drivers during the qualifying sessions of the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, due to track limit violations. The decision has reignited debate within the Formula 1 paddock over how the sport regulates and enforces track boundaries, with some of the sport’s top drivers voicing frustration at the consistency and fairness of current rules.

During the high-stakes qualifying session at Suzuka Circuit, several laps were invalidated after drivers were found to have exceeded the track limits, with all four wheels leaving the defined white lines. Among the most prominent affected were Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez, as well as McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The FIA’s ruling significantly impacted the drivers’ final qualifying positions, forcing some to start the race further down the grid than initially anticipated.

Verstappen, who ultimately recovered to claim pole position and win the race, has been vocal in his criticism of how track limits are policed. The reigning world champion called the current system “too harsh,” arguing that it undermines the skill of drivers and detracts from the spirit of racing.

“It makes us look like amateurs,” Verstappen stated in a post-qualifying interview. “We’re pushing the limits out there, and with how little visibility we have in the cockpit, sometimes it’s impossible to know you’ve gone a few centimeters over.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri echoed similar sentiments, particularly after having one of his fastest laps deleted. He described the situation as “embarrassing” and stressed that some circuits, including Suzuka, still struggle with corners where it’s difficult for drivers to judge the white lines from inside the car.

“There’s been talk about adding gravel or changing curbs, but it’s not a simple fix,” Piastri said. “We want to race hard, but when the margins are this fine, it’s frustrating to lose a lap over something you can’t always see.”

Despite the criticism, the FIA has defended its position. An official spokesperson emphasized that consistency and fairness are key, and that stewards try to give drivers the benefit of the doubt in borderline cases. Nonetheless, the governing body is reportedly considering updates to how track limits are visually marked on circuits.

Among the proposals is widening the white lines or using additional visual cues to help drivers better judge limits at high speeds. These measures aim to strike a balance between maintaining the integrity of racing and ensuring drivers can compete without the fear of unjust penalties.

The impact of the deleted lap times was felt throughout the weekend. While Verstappen managed to recover and extend his dominance at Suzuka with a fourth straight win at the circuit, others weren’t as fortunate. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished second and third respectively, but both were left wondering how their weekends might have unfolded without the penalties.

As the season continues, the pressure is now on the FIA to find a solution that satisfies both the letter and the spirit of the rules. Teams and drivers are expected to engage with the governing body in upcoming meetings to push for more clarity and flexibility around track limit enforcement.