Breaking:Lewis Hamilton hit with deleted lap FIA ruling….read more 

Lewis Hamilton hit with deleted lap FIA ruling….read more 

Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, has made waves with the revelation that several lap times were deleted during qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix, including one involving Lewis Hamilton. The governing body’s official document clarified that Hamilton, along with Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, had their respective lap times annulled during qualifying after failing to adhere to track limits at Turns 1 and 6. This breach of the sporting regulations led to an official verdict by the race stewards.

According to the FIA’s regulations, specifically Article 12.4.1.e of the FIA International Sporting Code, any driver who violates track limits during qualifying is subject to a deletion of their lap times. The decision came after a report from the FIA race director, which led to the stewards’ ruling on the matter. For Hamilton, his deleted lap occurred during Q2. However, it did not significantly impact his qualifying performance, as he had already posted a time in the top 10 earlier in the session, ensuring he advanced to Q3 without issue.

Despite this setback, Hamilton’s performance in qualifying on Saturday still left much to be desired. He finished the session in eighth place, which was a disappointing result for the seven-time World Champion, considering his previous successes in the sport. This qualifying result meant Hamilton would start Sunday’s race four positions behind his teammate, Charles Leclerc, who qualified in P4. For Hamilton, who has been struggling with his form recently, it was a crucial moment to recover his competitive edge, especially after an underwhelming weekend in China earlier in the season.

The Japanese Grand Prix presented an opportunity for both Hamilton and his team, Mercedes, to bounce back from the controversy and disappointment in China, where both Hamilton and Leclerc were disqualified from the race. The disqualification came after the race, due to a technical infringement related to their cars’ specifications, further dampening what was already a difficult weekend for the Scuderia. For Hamilton, regaining crucial points at Suzuka was critical in maintaining his challenge for the World Championship. However, the prospect of turning his fortunes around seemed increasingly challenging, especially with a significant gap between himself and some of his rivals.

This season has already been one of mixed results for Hamilton. Despite showing flashes of his skill, the consistency that has defined his career has been elusive so far in 2025. The deleted lap times at the Japanese GP only added to the challenges he’s faced in the ongoing season. In fact, Hamilton has now been outqualified by his teammate Leclerc in two of the three major qualifying sessions held so far. This marks a notable shift in their dynamic, considering that Hamilton has been a dominant figure in Formula 1 over the past decade. Leclerc’s performance, coupled with Hamilton’s struggles, may indicate a potential shift in team hierarchy and could further complicate Hamilton’s bid to secure a record-breaking eighth World Championship.

Looking ahead to the race in Suzuka, Hamilton will need to focus on maximizing his race pace and avoiding any further mistakes or penalties. With the track at Suzuka traditionally offering an opportunity for skilled drivers to showcase their abilities, Hamilton could use his experience and racecraft to make up ground during the race itself. Mercedes will also have to refine their strategy to ensure they do not lose more ground to their rivals in both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.

Hamilton’s focus remains on regaining his form and challenging for the championship, even as other younger drivers like Leclerc continue to show strong performances. The added pressure of being outqualified by his teammate two out of three times in qualifying only intensifies the importance of a strong race result at the Japanese GP. If Hamilton can capitalize on his track knowledge and the team’s support, he may be able to recover from his earlier setbacks and put himself back in the hunt for the 2025 World Championship.

For now, the deleted lap times at the Japanese Grand Prix and Hamilton’s P8 finish in qualifying are just a part of the narrative in what is shaping up to be a challenging season for the British driver. However, with his experience and track record, Hamilton will no doubt be looking for any opportunity to bounce back and continue his pursuit of an eighth world title.