At the 2025 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Lando Norris faced a major setback when the FIA invalidated two of his lap times during qualifying, directly affecting his starting position. This development came as a surprise to fans and shook up the McLaren driver’s promising run in the session dominated by Max Verstappen, who secured his 45th career pole and set a new fastest lap record in Formula 1 history at the iconic circuit.
Initially, Norris appeared on track to challenge seriously for pole, but following the FIA’s lap deletions due to track violations, he was pushed back to start from P6, positioned on the second row behind Verstappen and alongside fellow competitors Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc. The lap deletions occurred after a race director review confirmed Norris exceeded track limits at critical corners, resulting in severe penalties.
Drivers Affected by Track Limit Infractions in Qualifying
The FIA’s investigation revealed that Norris failed to keep within track boundaries at turns 1, 6, and 7. Two of his laps were removed — one during an early flying lap and another during his pit stop sequence. Norris was not alone in facing these sanctions; Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls and Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon also had their lap times deleted, emphasizing the strict enforcement of track regulations at Monza.
The full list of drivers whose lap times were deleted includes:
1. Carlos Sainz – Williams Racing (Lap Time: 1:20.470)
2. Alexander Albon – Williams Racing (Lap Time: 1:43.018)
3. Lando Norris – McLaren F1 Team (Lap Time: 1:40.393)
4. Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls F1 Team (PIT)
5. Lando Norris – McLaren F1 Team (PIT)
Impact on Championship Dynamics and Upcoming Race Expectations
This qualifying drama has intensified speculation about how these lap deletions might influence the championship fight as the race day approaches. Verstappen’s commanding pace positions him well to extend his lead, while Norris faces the challenge of overcoming the frustration and loss of grid places. The starting order now paints a more complex picture, with championship leader Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also poised to challenge from the second row.
As the Italian Grand Prix progresses, all eyes will be on Norris to see if he can regain momentum and respond to this competitive hurdle, while the tight enforcement of FIA rules continues to be a critical factor shaping race strategies and outcomes. The unfolding events at Monza promise an intense showdown for fans and drivers alike.
