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FIA Investigates 17 Drivers, Including Hamilton and Verstappen, Over Delta Time Breach in Qatar

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
FIA Investigates 17 Drivers, Including Hamilton and Verstappen, Over Delta Time Breach in Qatar

Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - November 29, 2024 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

The FIA has launched an investigation involving 17 Formula 1 drivers, including reigning champion Max Verstappen and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, over alleged violations of the maximum lap delta time during sprint qualifying at the Qatar Grand Prix.


What Happened?

Race director Rui Marques set a minimum lap time of 1:40.0 for drivers to adhere to during the session. This rule aims to prevent dangerous bunching of cars on track, a common issue in qualifying sessions where slower speeds are often used to prepare for flying laps.

However, multiple drivers were flagged for allegedly breaching this regulation, with all cases set to be reviewed by the stewards following the session.


Drivers Under Investigation

Red Bull

  • Max Verstappen
  • Sergio Perez

McLaren

  • Lando Norris
  • Oscar Piastri

Ferrari

  • Charles Leclerc
  • Carlos Sainz

Mercedes

  • Lewis Hamilton
  • George Russell

Other Drivers

  • Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
  • Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
  • Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
  • Valtteri Bottas (Sauber)
  • Alex Albon (Williams)
  • Liam Lawson (VCARB)
  • Yuki Tsunoda (VCARB)
  • Franco Colapinto (Williams)
  • Zhou Guanyu (Sauber)

Implications

This widespread investigation could have significant ramifications for the starting grid of the sprint race and the championship standings:

  1. Constructors’ Championship Battle:
    • McLaren leads Ferrari by 24 points, while Red Bull sits 53 points adrift in third. Any penalties impacting drivers from these teams could tilt the balance in this critical fight.
  2. Driver Penalties:
    • Potential penalties could range from reprimands to grid drops for the sprint race, depending on the severity and circumstances of each breach.
  3. Championship Clarity:
    • While Verstappen has already clinched the drivers’ title, this controversy could overshadow Red Bull’s slim chance of a late comeback in the constructors’ championship.

What’s Next?

The stewards are expected to convene after the session to review evidence and issue decisions ahead of the sprint race. Any penalties could drastically shake up the sprint grid and add another layer of drama to the weekend.

With so many drivers under the microscope, all eyes are on the FIA for how it handles this critical situation. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds!

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