BREAKING;FIA Officially Confirms Deleted Lap Times for Red Bull and McLaren after…read more.
FIA Officially Confirms Deleted Lap Times for Red Bull and McLaren after…read more.
In a dramatic turn of events at the Japanese Grand Prix, the FIA has officially confirmed that lap times for several drivers from Red Bull and McLaren were deleted due to track limits violations during qualifying. The governing body released a statement on Sunday outlining the infractions, which occurred primarily in the high-speed final sector of the Suzuka circuit, where drivers were seen exceeding the white lines in pursuit of better grid positions.
Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez of Red Bull, along with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri of McLaren, were among those affected. While none of the drivers lost pole position or drastically dropped in the starting order, the deleted lap times did impact final qualifying standings and added tension to an already competitive session.
Track limits have become a growing concern in Formula 1, with several races this season already marred by post-session penalties and time deletions. The FIA has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the rules strictly to ensure fair competition and maintain the integrity of the sport.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed mild frustration after the decision, stating, “It’s always disappointing to lose lap times, but we respect the FIA’s decision. Rules are rules.” McLaren’s Andrea Stella echoed a similar sentiment, urging for more consistent application across all tracks.
As the teams prepare for Sunday’s race, the deleted times serve as a stark reminder of how fine the margins are in Formula 1, where a few millimeters can make all the difference.
