Max Verstappen was cleared of any penalty following an investigation into an alleged Virtual Safety Car (VSC) infringement at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver, along with Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, and Nico Hulkenberg, was summoned by the stewards for overtaking other cars after the chequered flag during the cooldown lap, despite the VSC still being in effect due to a late-race crash involving Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz.
While overtaking after the race’s conclusion is common practice, it is prohibited under VSC conditions. Verstappen’s actions, flagged by Lando Norris, raised concerns as no car is allowed to pass under VSC unless there is an obvious issue with a rival vehicle. However, the stewards opted not to issue a penalty, instead giving Verstappen and the other drivers a warning. The decision was influenced by the fact that this was not the first instance of a post-race VSC violation this season, and it had gone unnoticed previously.
The warning serves as a reminder to all competitors that further breaches of the VSC rules could lead to significant penalties in the future. Despite this investigation, Verstappen’s race result remained unchanged, allowing him to retain his position.
Max Verstappen was investigated following the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a potential breach of the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) rules. The investigation stemmed from an incident that occurred after the race’s chequered flag had been waved. While under VSC conditions, Verstappen was reported for overtaking other cars as they headed into the pit lane.
The issue arose after a chaotic end to the race, which saw the deployment of the VSC due to a crash between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz. Verstappen, who had finished in fifth place, was observed pulling alongside and overtaking other drivers after crossing the finish line. This prompted Lando Norris, who was also involved in the battle near the end of the race, to report the overtaking to his team over the radio, questioning if the VSC was still in force and if the moves were allowed.
Verstappen, however, maintained that he had not violated any regulations. He explained that the overtakes were not made in a competitive context but as part of the customary practice of congratulating other drivers after the race. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner defended Verstappen, emphasizing that the Dutch driver was not driving recklessly or at high speed and that similar instances had occurred in previous races without issue.
The FIA launched an investigation into the matter, reviewing whether Verstappen had breached Article 12.2.1 of the International Sporting Code, which governs overtaking under safety car conditions. Ultimately, the stewards decided not to penalize Verstappen but issued a formal warning instead. They noted that while overtaking after the chequered flag is generally permitted, it is prohibited when VSC or safety car conditions are in place. The warning served as a reminder for all drivers that caution is necessary in such situations, particularly when there might be emergency personnel or equipment on the track.
Verstappen’s fifth-place finish stood after the incident, and the investigation did not affect his points tally. The Red Bull driver, though frustrated by the investigation, accepted the decision. As the season continues, Verstappen holds a comfortable lead in the drivers’ championship, with the next race set for Singapore.
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