F1 Stars Caught in FIA Lap Time Deletion Co… read more
A number of high-profile Formula 1 drivers were caught out by the FIA’s enforcement of track limit regulations during Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix, resulting in several lap times being deleted. Despite changes to the format of the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix intended to improve the excitement and competitiveness of the event, the latest race still failed to deliver the spectacle many fans hoped for on the iconic Monte Carlo circuit.
One of the most notable incidents involved Mercedes driver George Russell, who overtook Williams’ Alex Albon by cutting the corner at the Nouvelle Chicane. Rather than relinquish the position, Russell opted to accept a time penalty, a decision that led to the deletion of the corresponding lap. The FIA later confirmed Russell’s infringement on an official list of deleted lap times.
However, Russell wasn’t alone in receiving penalties. Nine other drivers, including several of the sport’s biggest names, were also hit with lap deletions for exceeding track limits. This list included world champions Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, along with Kimi Antonelli, Ollie Bearman, Lance Stroll, Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda, Charles Leclerc, and Nico Hulkenberg. Though exceeding track limits repeatedly can result in sporting penalties, the FIA clarified that no further action would be taken against the ten drivers involved.
The race, however, drew more criticism than praise. While podium finishers Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris celebrated their achievements, others were vocal about their frustrations. George Russell and Max Verstappen were among those who criticized the format, particularly the mandatory two-stop strategy introduced in an attempt to shake up the usually processional Monaco GP. Russell sarcastically suggested adding sprinklers to the track in the future to make things more exciting, while Verstappen jokingly proposed adding banana peels, referencing the popular video game Mario Kart.
The criticism extended beyond the drivers. Alex Albon expressed regret over how the race unfolded, offering an apology to fans and acknowledging that the event didn’t reflect the true nature of competitive racing. His sentiments echoed those of many who feel the Monaco GP, once a crown jewel of the F1 calendar, has lost its luster due to limited overtaking opportunities and predictable outcomes.
Still, the race had significant implications for the championship standings. Lando Norris’s win not only brought him a celebrated victory on the streets of Monte Carlo but also tightened the battle in the drivers’ championship. With his latest result, Norris has now moved within just three points of his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri heading into the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, adding a layer of excitement to the ongoing title race.
While the FIA’s strict policing of track limits and the newly implemented race regulations were meant to improve the sport, the outcome at Monaco suggests that more effective changes may be needed to reinvigorate one of Formula 1’s most iconic — yet increasingly criticized — circuits.
