What Does Delta Mean in F1?

In Formula 1, delta refers to the time difference between two data points — most often a driver’s current lap time versus a target lap time. During a Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car period, drivers are given a delta time they must follow to maintain correct spacing and not gain an advantage. Falling below the delta means they are going too slowly; exceeding it means too fast, which can result in a penalty. Delta is also used to compare sector times.

Example: He’s slightly under the delta right now — the team are asking him to speed up to avoid a penalty.