Breaking;FIA New Penalty verdict Forces Max to Start Race O..read more
FIA New Penalty verdict Forces Max to Start Race O..read more
In a dramatic turn of events just ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, the FIA has handed down a penalty that will see reigning World Champion Max Verstappen start the race from the back of the grid. The decision follows an investigation into a technical infringement discovered during Friday’s qualifying session.
According to the FIA’s statement released Saturday morning, Red Bull Racing was found to have breached Article 3.6.3 of the technical regulations concerning the rear wing’s flexibility. After extensive deliberation, race stewards concluded the car did not comply with the rules and issued a grid drop penalty, forcing Verstappen to start at the rear for Sunday’s race.
“This is obviously disappointing,” Verstappen said in a brief statement. “We were confident with our pace, but rules are rules. We’ll fight back.”
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed frustration with the verdict but confirmed the team would not appeal the decision. “We respect the FIA’s ruling, although we strongly believe the performance gain was negligible. Now the focus shifts to strategy and damage limitation.”
With overtaking notoriously difficult on Monaco’s tight street circuit, the penalty poses a significant challenge to Verstappen’s race hopes. However, the Dutch driver has proven time and again that he can charge through the field under pressure.
Fans will now be watching closely to see if Verstappen can pull off a comeback on one of F1’s most unforgiving tracks.
