Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing star, has been hit with a five-second penalty in the Brazilian Grand Prix sprint race after violating the virtual safety car (VSC) rules. Verstappen, who climbed from fourth to third after passing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during the 24-lap sprint, was demoted to fourth place following this infraction.
The Incident: Verstappen Penalised for Delta Time Violation
During the race, a virtual safety car was deployed following an incident involving Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas. As the VSC ended, Verstappen was observed to be below the mandated delta time near Turn 4, while passing close to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who was in second place.
Race control flagged Verstappen’s actions, leading to a hearing with the FIA stewards and Red Bull representatives, including sporting director Jonathan Wheatley. The FIA ultimately found Verstappen at fault, citing that he was 0.63 seconds below the minimum time when the VSC concluded, providing him with a sporting advantage.
FIA’s Statement and Penalty Explanation
The FIA stewards’ statement clarified the basis for the penalty, referencing Article 56.5, which mandates that cars must remain above a minimum time during the VSC phase. Verstappen reportedly acknowledged his awareness of being under the delta time but stated that he was unable to correct it in time.
The FIA’s verdict read: “The driver of Car 1 attempted to correct the error but failed to do so by the point the panels turned green. This indicates a sporting advantage gained under the VSC, which led to the standard penalty.”
As a result of the penalty, Verstappen was demoted to fourth place, putting him behind Charles Leclerc in the final classification for the sprint.
Implications for Verstappen’s Championship and Penalty Points
In addition to the position drop, Verstappen received a penalty point on his super licence, bringing his total to seven penalty points within a 12-month period. Reaching 12 penalty points would lead to a one-race suspension, making each penalty point significant as he heads toward the final stretch of the season.
McLaren Secures Historic One-Two Finish
Meanwhile, McLaren celebrated a historic moment, clinching a one-two finish in the Brazilian sprint. Lando Norris claimed the victory after Oscar Piastri, the polesitter, strategically allowed Norris to pass late in the race. This finish bolsters McLaren’s momentum in the constructors’ standings and supports Norris in his bid to challenge Verstappen for the drivers’ championship.
Conclusion: Verstappen’s Challenge and McLaren’s Rising Momentum
Verstappen’s VSC penalty serves as a reminder of the precision required in F1 racing, even for a seasoned champion like him. With McLaren’s impressive form and Verstappen’s penalty points adding pressure, the final races of the season promise intense battles. As Verstappen continues to defend his title, he will need to remain vigilant to avoid further penalties that could impact his championship standing
