“High Stakes and White Lines: Norris and Tsunoda Caught in Track….read more
The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka delivered the kind of edge-of-your-seat action Formula 1 fans crave — high speed, high drama, and now, a dose of post-race controversy. The FIA has confirmed that several lap times were deleted following the race due to track limits violations, with high-profile names like McLaren’s title leader Lando Norris and Red Bull’s home favorite Yuki Tsunoda among those affected.
Lando Norris, who finished second behind reigning world champion Max Verstappen, had one of his laps deleted for exceeding track limits — a move that didn’t affect his final race position, but did raise eyebrows. Throughout the 53-lap showdown, Norris remained in Verstappen’s mirrors, pushing his McLaren to the absolute limit. His relentless pursuit of the lead underscored just how intense the championship fight has become in 2025.
The pivotal moment came on the final lap when Norris locked up going into Suzuka’s notoriously tricky Turn 17 chicane. In a desperate bid to stay within striking range of Verstappen, he braked late and overshot the corner, skipping part of the chicane entirely. While it looked like a bold last-gasp effort, the FIA later confirmed it as a track limits breach. His lap time was subsequently deleted, highlighting just how tightly the rules are being enforced this season.
Despite the infraction, Norris retained second place and his position at the top of the Drivers’ Championship, but the incident was symbolic of a larger theme this season — the fine line between pushing for glory and overstepping the mark. McLaren’s rise as a legitimate contender has intensified the battle at the front, and moments like these reveal the razor-sharp focus required to stay on top.
Yuki Tsunoda also found himself in the FIA’s post-race report. Racing for the main Red Bull team in front of his home crowd, the Japanese driver was hoping for a breakout performance. And while his race was solid overall, multiple breaches of track limits resulted in deleted lap times. Fortunately for Tsunoda, the violations didn’t cost him any positions, but the message was clear: in Formula 1, every inch matters.
Tsunoda’s performance — both the highs and the slight missteps — will be closely watched as he vies to secure his place alongside Verstappen for the long haul. With the pressure of a home race and the scrutiny of Red Bull’s management, the young driver is learning quickly that consistency is just as important as speed.
Several other drivers were also warned or penalized for similar infractions, as Suzuka’s mix of high-speed curves and technical corners proved unforgiving. The FIA’s decision to strictly enforce track limits once again ignites debate over consistency and fairness in rulings — a hot topic in recent years.
While the lap time deletions didn’t shake up the final podium, they added another layer to an already complex and thrilling race weekend. With the championship battle heating up, every lap, every corner, and every decision counts. For Norris and Tsunoda, this won’t be the last time they flirt with the limits in pursuit of greatness.
