F1 REPORT: Max Verstappen & Multiple Drivers including McLaren..

Multiple Drivers and McLaren Under Investigation After Eventful Azerbaijan Grand Prix

After the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit, multiple drivers and a team found themselves under investigation by race stewards for various incidents during and after the race. Among the six drivers facing scrutiny is Max Verstappen, the highest-placed driver under review and the only one from the group to score points.

Verstappen, along with Nico Hulkenberg of Haas, and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, are being investigated for alleged rule violations during the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) period. This VSC was triggered on the penultimate lap after a collision between Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez.

The stewards are investigating whether these drivers overtook others while the VSC was still in effect, even after crossing the chequered flag. Formula 1 rules prohibit overtaking under VSC conditions, even after the race finishes. The alleged incidents reportedly took place after the drivers had crossed the finish line but while the VSC was still active.

During the race, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed concern over the radio, claiming that Hulkenberg overtook him and other cars while the VSC was deployed. Verstappen, however, denied any wrongdoing in a post-race interview with Sky Sports. He stated, “I didn’t pass under the Virtual Safety Car. We crossed the line, the race was finished, and there are many examples from this year where the same thing happened. So I’m a bit surprised.”

The uncertainty surrounding the VSC infractions adds tension to what was already a dramatic race. While Verstappen maintains his innocence, the stewards will ultimately decide if any rules were broken. If the investigation finds that drivers did illegally overtake, they could face penalties that might alter the final race classification and impact the points distribution.

The investigation into the VSC infringements isn’t the only one unfolding. The stewards are also examining the collision between Sainz and Perez, which led to the deployment of the VSC. The incident occurred on the straight between turns two and three when Perez attempted to overtake Sainz. Both cars were damaged in the collision but were able to finish the race. Sainz and Perez are required to meet with the stewards to explain their actions, with the potential for penalties based on the findings.

In addition to the drivers’ investigations, McLaren is also under review for a possible breach of pit lane regulations. According to the rules, team personnel can only be in the pit lane when actively working on a car and must leave immediately after their tasks are completed. The stewards are concerned that McLaren may have violated this regulation by having team members and equipment in the pit lane during the race at a time when they weren’t authorized to be there. The team has been called to a meeting with the stewards to discuss the matter.

These post-race investigations add a new layer of drama to an already intense Azerbaijan Grand Prix. With multiple drivers and a team under review, the final race results are pending, and potential penalties could significantly alter the outcome and championship points. Fans and teams alike are eagerly awaiting the stewards’ decisions, which could lead to significant changes in the standings.

These investigations underscore the complexity of Formula 1’s regulations, where even seemingly minor incidents can have significant consequences. As the teams and fans await the final verdicts, the potential for dramatic shifts in the race’s outcome keeps tensions high.