Just In: Hamilton and Verstappen Penalized for DELETED Laps at Las Vegas G…read more
Just In: Hamilton and Verstappen Penalized for Deleted Laps at Las Vegas Grand Prix
In a dramatic turn of events at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen faced setbacks after their fastest laps in qualifying were deleted due to track limits violations. The stewards ruled that both drivers had exceeded the white line boundaries at critical moments, sparking controversy and shifting the starting grid dynamics for Sunday’s race.
Hamilton, who initially clocked the second-fastest time, was demoted to fifth after stewards confirmed that he exceeded track limits at Turn 12. Verstappen, the reigning world champion, had his third-fastest lap time invalidated for a similar infraction at Turn 14. Despite the penalties, Verstappen managed to hold onto pole position based on an earlier, valid lap time.
“This track is unforgiving, but the rules are clear,” Verstappen commented in a post-session interview. “We push to the edge, and sometimes, we step over it. It’s part of the challenge.” Hamilton, however, expressed frustration, claiming inconsistencies in how track limits were enforced throughout the weekend.
The penalties have added fuel to the already intense rivalry between the two drivers, with fans and pundits debating whether the stewards’ decision was too harsh. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Red Bull boss Christian Horner also weighed in, with Wolff calling for “clearer guidelines” and Horner defending the fairness of the penalties.
The track limits issue has been a recurring theme this season, particularly on newer circuits like Las Vegas, which feature tight, high-speed sections. Drivers have criticized the layout, arguing that the fine margins for error make it easy to fall foul of the regulations.
Despite the drama, the revised starting grid promises an exciting race, with several midfield drivers benefiting from the penalties. Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, who avoided mistakes, have moved up to second and third, respectively. With unpredictable weather forecasts and the unique challenges of the Las Vegas street circuit, Sunday’s race is poised to be a spectacle.
Fans eagerly await how Hamilton and Verstappen will navigate their way through the field, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in their storied rivalry.
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