Max Verstappen has been given a formal warning for overtaking cars under Virtual Safety Car conditions at the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
He was one of four drivers who were investigated for the same infringement. Nico Hulkenberg, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, who all finished outside the points, were also given the same warnings.
The incidents occured after Carlos Sainz Jnr and Sergio Perez crashed after turn two. Their cars hit a barrier on the left-hand side of the track and came to a stop, leaving a significant amount of debris on the track.
The stewards reminded the drivers that passing under VSC conditions is not permitted, even after the end of the race.
“The driver overtook other cars after the chequered flag, but while a VSC was still being displayed, following the crash at turn two. The driver was reminded that while passing after the chequered flag is not unusual, it is prohibited in the case of yellows, Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car procedures. While the drivers were aware of where the incident was, they could not have known if emergency equipment or marshals were being dispatched onto the track, and so have to proceed with caution.”
The stewards noted a similar incident happened previously this season – at the finish of the Australian Grand Prix – but was overlooked, and indicated similar incidents may be judged differently in future.
“The stewards are aware that this has happened earlier this season and was not noticed at the time,” they stated. “We are therefore warning the driver concerned, along with all other competitors. Further breaches may incur significant penalties.”
Among the drivers Verstappen overtook was his championship rival, Lando Norris, who reported the Red Bull driver’s actions to his team. Lewis Hamilton pointed out Nico Hulkenberg’s infringement on his radio.
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2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
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