F1 News Today: Verstappen lands in unusual trouble as FIA.......

Verstappen lands in unusual trouble as FIA announce verdict on Red Bull driver punishment

Max Verstappen has faced repercussions from the FIA following an unusual investigation at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, resulting in a punishment after a dramatic conclusion to the race in Baku. The race saw intense competition between Ferrari and Red Bull drivers, culminating in an incident that altered the final results.

As the race neared its end, Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz found themselves in a battle for second place, alongside Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. The fight for P2 intensified when Perez made an attempt to overtake Leclerc, only for Sainz to take advantage and steal the position from his Red Bull competitor. This action sparked further competition between Sainz and Perez for the third spot as they raced out of Turn 2.

However, the battle between the two drivers ended abruptly as they collided and hit the barriers, marking a race-ending incident for both Sainz and Perez. The crash prompted the deployment of a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) for the remainder of the race, altering the race dynamics. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri crossed the finish line first to claim his first-ever victory at the Azerbaijan GP, followed by Leclerc in second place. George Russell of Mercedes capitalized on the Ferrari-Red Bull collision, taking third place and completing the podium.

Perez’s failure to score points in Baku proved costly for Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship. McLaren, with Piastri’s victory, took advantage of the situation and seized the top spot in the team standings.

The VSC deployment also triggered a series of post-race investigations by the FIA, primarily focusing on overtaking incidents after the chequered flag. In addition to Verstappen, other drivers caught up in the investigation included Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly. All four drivers were scrutinized for allegedly overtaking under VSC conditions, which is prohibited.

Verstappen was specifically investigated for passing Lando Norris and George Russell after the race had ended, while the VSC was still in effect. According to FIA regulations, overtaking is not permitted under VSC conditions, even after the chequered flag, as it is designed to ensure the safety of the track in case marshals or emergency vehicles need access.

The stewards, after a thorough investigation, noted that the drivers had likely been aware of the on-track incident. However, caution is mandated in such situations, and overtaking under the VSC is strictly forbidden. The FIA stressed the importance of following safety protocols, even after a race is officially over, as track personnel could be present in the aftermath of incidents like the Perez-Sainz crash.

While similar overtaking breaches under VSC conditions had occurred earlier in the season without penalties, this time the FIA issued a formal warning to all four drivers involved. The stewards made it clear that further violations of this nature would likely result in more severe consequences, including potential penalties.

The warnings to Verstappen, Hulkenberg, Ocon, and Gasly serve as a reminder to drivers about the importance of adhering to safety regulations, especially when the VSC is in place. The stewards concluded that while no penalties would be handed out on this occasion, they expect drivers to exercise greater caution moving forward.

For Verstappen, the investigation and subsequent warning come as an unusual hiccup in a season where he has otherwise dominated the championship. Nevertheless, the FIA’s verdict sends a clear message: safety remains the top priority, and any breaches, even after a race, will not be taken lightly.