Track Limits Drama at Japanese GP: FIA Deletes Lap Times for Norris, Tsunoda a….read more
The Japanese Grand Prix delivered a high-stakes showdown filled with speed, strategy, and last-minute drama — and the action didn’t end when the checkered flag fell. In a post-race twist, the FIA has confirmed the deletion of several lap times from multiple drivers, including McLaren’s championship leader Lando Norris and Red Bull’s homegrown star Yuki Tsunoda. The decision adds a layer of controversy to an already intense race, shaking up interpretations of driver performance at Suzuka.
Lando Norris, who continued to showcase his remarkable consistency in 2025 by finishing second behind reigning champion Max Verstappen, found himself under scrutiny for exceeding track limits during a key moment late in the race. The McLaren driver had spent the majority of the Grand Prix glued to the rear wing of Verstappen’s RB21, staying within striking distance but never quite close enough to launch a serious overtaking attempt.
Despite the visible pressure from Norris, Verstappen remained composed throughout, demonstrating the form that has earned him four world titles. Norris, meanwhile, was clearly pushing his McLaren to the absolute limit in an attempt to force a mistake or create an opportunity to seize the lead. That relentless effort culminated in a dramatic moment on the very last lap of the race when Norris locked up heavily going into the tight Turn 17 chicane.
In his desperation to make up ground, Norris braked late and overshot the corner entry, forcing him to skip part of the chicane entirely. While the move may have looked like a last-ditch attempt to challenge Verstappen, it ultimately resulted in his lap time being deleted. The FIA confirmed that Norris did not remain within the white lines of the track through Turn 17, violating track limits — a rule that has been rigorously enforced across all sessions this season.
The FIA released an official document following the race listing all the drivers who had lap times deleted during the 53-lap contest at Suzuka. Among the names was Norris, whose final lap violation drew attention not for its impact on his final position — which remained second — but for what it revealed about the intensity of the title fight. His push to the limit is a testament to just how competitive this season has become, especially with McLaren’s resurgence as a consistent frontrunner.
Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda, racing in front of his home crowd, was another notable driver to have lap times deleted during the race. Making his debut for the main Red Bull team after years with sister outfit RB, Tsunoda had hoped to impress on familiar territory. While his overall performance was solid and drew cheers from the Japanese fans, the FIA confirmed that he too had breached track limits on more than one occasion, resulting in deleted times.
Tsunoda’s infractions didn’t lead to a position drop either, but they were a reminder of the razor-thin margins in Formula 1, where even a few inches off the racing line can have consequences. For Tsunoda, who is trying to secure a long-term seat alongside Verstappen, staying clean and consistent under pressure is crucial — especially with eyes on him both at home and within the Red Bull camp.
Other drivers also fell foul of track limits during the high-speed race, with several warnings issued throughout the event. Suzuka’s fast corners and technical chicanes are known for challenging the limits of car control, and Sunday’s race proved no exception.
While no penalties were handed out for repeated offenses in this instance, the deletions serve as a warning ahead of the next rounds. Track limits enforcement has been a point of contention in recent seasons, with teams and drivers frequently debating its consistency and fairness. The FIA’s strict post-race review in Japan is another example of how seriously the governing body is treating these regulations in 2025.
For fans and analysts, the deleted lap times don’t change the podium, but they do shed light on the intensity behind the wheel — particularly for Norris, who remains at the top of the drivers’ championship standings. As the title battle heats up between McLaren and Red Bull, every detail matters, and moments like this could have bigger implications down the line.
With more races ahead and the championship picture tightening, incidents like these are likely to become even more impactful. Norris may have lost a lap time, but he gained something more important — proof that he’s willing to push boundaries in pursuit of the ultimate prize.
