JUST IN: Lando Norris Among Ten Drivers Affected by Post-Race FIA Ruling at Belgian Grand Prix… Read more
Lando Norris Among Ten Drivers Affected by Post-Race FIA Ruling at Belgian Grand Prix
The 2025 Belgian Grand Prix may not have delivered the high-octane drama seen at recent races in Austria and Silverstone, but it was not without controversy. A late ruling issued by the FIA after the checkered flag revealed that ten Formula 1 drivers, including Lando Norris, had breached track limits during the event at Spa-Francorchamps.
The race itself was largely incident-free, with all 20 drivers completing the 44-lap contest without major drama. While Lewis Hamilton’s charge through the field from a pit lane start stole the spotlight, attention quickly turned to the FIA’s post-race bulletin. The governing body confirmed that several drivers had laps deleted for failing to keep their cars within the track boundaries at key corners—specifically Turns 4, 6, 10, and 18.
Among those affected were some of the sport’s biggest names. Alongside Norris, the list included Carlos Sainz, Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, Pierre Gasly, Kimi Antonelli, Franco Colapinto, Alex Albon, Fernando Alonso, and Yuki Tsunoda. While the deleted laps had no effect on the final race classification, the decision highlighted ongoing issues surrounding track limits and consistency in enforcing them.
Norris, who had a solid if unspectacular race, saw just one of his laps removed due to a track limits violation. On the other hand, Carlos Sainz was noted for being the worst offender of the group, having three laps deleted for repeatedly straying beyond the white lines. Despite this, no penalties were issued since none of the infractions accumulated to the threshold that warrants in-race action under current FIA rules.
The governing body’s regulations allow each driver up to three track limit violations during a race. Upon the fourth, a black-and-white warning flag is shown, serving as a final notice. If a fifth infraction occurs, a five-second time penalty is handed out. Continued violations beyond this can lead to further penalties, such as a 10-second time penalty or even more severe consequences depending on the frequency and context.
In qualifying sessions, the policy is more straightforward and arguably harsher: any single instance of exceeding track limits results in the deletion of that lap time. Lewis Hamilton was one of the most high-profile victims of this rule during the Belgian GP weekend. On Saturday, the Ferrari driver appeared to advance into Q2 with a last-gasp lap, only for it to be deleted post-session due to a track limits breach. As a result, Hamilton opted to start from the pit lane on Sunday.
Nevertheless, Hamilton managed an impressive recovery, working his way up the grid to finish seventh, securing important points for Ferrari and minimizing the damage to his championship hopes after what had been a difficult weekend. His comeback was aided by a clean race strategy and consistent pace, proving that even from the back, the seven-time world champion remains a formidable force.
The FIA’s decision to issue the deletions post-race, without any time penalties or position changes, has sparked a mix of reactions within the paddock. While many appreciated the clarity of the enforcement, others questioned why the infractions were not addressed in real-time. However, officials explained that since the violations didn’t exceed the limit required for penalties, no further action was necessary.
This latest situation adds to the ongoing debate within Formula 1 regarding track limits. Many fans and drivers alike argue for more natural deterrents—such as gravel traps or raised curbs—instead of relying solely on white lines and post-session reviews. Spa’s expansive layout and fast corners make it particularly challenging for drivers to stay within bounds, especially when pushing the limits during qualifying and key race moments.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that the FIA will continue to monitor and enforce track limit rules rigorously. The consistent application of these rules is crucial not only for fairness but also for safety. As the championship heads into its next round, drivers will undoubtedly be more mindful of the white lines, knowing that even minor missteps could have consequences—if not immediately, then once the FIA has had its say after the race.
In summary, while the Belgian Grand Prix may not have delivered edge-of-your-seat action, it certainly provided a reminder of the meticulous rule enforcement that defines modern Formula 1. Lando Norris and the nine other drivers affected by the post-race ruling will surely be watching their lines more carefully in the coming rounds.
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