The FIA has released the list of deleted lap times following the Miami Grand Prix, a pivotal moment in the 2025 Formula 1 season, after a fierce battle for the lead saw Oscar Piastri secure another career victory. The race, held at the Miami International Autodrome, saw reigning champion Max Verstappen lose his pole position advantage to Lando Norris on lap 14, but it was ultimately Piastri who crossed the finish line first, extending his lead in the drivers‘ championship. Both Max Verstappen and Lando Norris had laps deleted by the stewards due to track limit violations, impacting the final standings.
The FIA stewards reviewed reports from the race director and determined that several drivers exceeded track limits at Turns 6, 11, and 15. Specifically, Lando Norris had his lap time of 1:34.855 invalidated after exceeding track limits at Turn 11, just milliseconds before Verstappen’s 1:34.857 lap time was also deleted for the same infraction. Other drivers affected included Williams’ Carlos Sainz at Turn 15 and Sauber’s rookie Gabriel Bortoleto at Turn 6, with Bortoleto retiring early due to an engine issue.
Through 57 laps of intense competition, Norris and Verstappen exchanged the lead several times before Piastri’s consistent pace and race strategy paid off, securing him first place. Despite losing valuable lap times, Norris and Verstappen demonstrated the performance gap McLaren has established, with the papaya-colored team achieving a one-two finish. Verstappen settled for fourth, while Norris claimed a strong second place effort, confirming the McLaren cars’ clear advantage on this circuit.
The race director’s decision to delete lap times has stirred controversy among fans and analysts, raising questions about the enforcement of track limits and its influence on race outcomes. Lando Norris’ deleted lap time at the Miami Grand Prix underscored the fine margins between success and setback, demonstrating how strict adherence to racing boundaries can alter the competitive landscape. Speaking on the ruling, a race official commented,
Ensuring fair competition is paramount, and these measures help maintain integrity on track.
Looking ahead, the implications of these lap deletions may affect driver strategies and team approaches as the season progresses, with championships often decided by the smallest details. The Miami Grand Prix result has reminded all competitors that consistency and discipline remain crucial, as even a single deleted lap time can shift momentum in one of the sport’s most closely contested fields.
