Max Verstappen under investigation by the race control for a potential safety car infringement at the Sao Paulo GP
F1 Grand Prix of Brazil – Practice & Sprint Qualifying – Source: Getty
The FIA noted Max Verstappen’s movement during the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint on Saturday and called for an immediate investigation. Verstappen was right behind the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri when the FIA called the Virtual Safety Car.
Saturday’s Sprint at Interlagos saw Norris take the win after Piastri fell back and handed over the lead to his teammate. Verstappen came home in P3, wrapping up the top 3.
The Virtual Safety Car was introduced after Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg stopped his car by the side of the track in Lap 20. Footage showed smoke coming out of the VF-24 during the race.
In Lap 23 of the Sprint, the FIA deployed the Virtual Safety Car that limited the speed of all cars. Under the VSC window, no one is allowed to overtake. However, Verstappen tried to go around the outside of Piastri as soon as the VSC ended.
The FIA later released a note saying they are opening up an investigation on the Red Bull driver’s movement during the VSC. The outcome of the investigation is yet to be released.
Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished the race in P4 and P5 respectively, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell. Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez wrapped up the point-scoring positions by coming home in P7 and P8
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