Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 championship lead is under threat following a post-race investigation from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where the Red Bull driver is being scrutinized for an alleged Virtual Safety Car (VSC) infringement. Verstappen finished fifth after being overtaken by title rival Lando Norris in the closing stages of the race. However, an alleged violation of VSC rules could see Verstappen lose further points to his McLaren adversary.
The Dutchman, along with Nico Hulkenberg, Pierre Gasly, and Esteban Ocon, was placed under investigation shortly after the 51-lap race concluded. Verstappen is specifically being investigated for overtaking other cars, including George Russell’s Mercedes and Norris’ McLaren, during the VSC period that followed the late-race crash between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz.
Norris, noticing Verstappen’s actions, immediately alerted his McLaren team: “Max is overtaking everyone, it’s still a VSC, right? I don’t know if it matters or not but… still a VSC.”
Under Article 56.6 of the F1 sporting regulations, drivers are prohibited from overtaking while the VSC procedure is in effect, except in specific scenarios, such as when entering or exiting the pitlane, or if a rival car slows due to an apparent problem.
A similar incident earlier in the season saw Daniel Ricciardo penalized with a 10-second penalty, later converted to a three-place grid drop, for overtaking under a safety car. Should Verstappen face a penalty, a five-second sanction wouldn’t affect his fifth-place finish, but a 10-second penalty would demote him to sixth behind Fernando Alonso, trimming his championship lead over Norris from 59 points to 57.
Meanwhile, McLaren has also been summoned to the stewards over an unrelated matter concerning “team personnel and equipment in pitlane during the race.” However, this is not expected to alter the race results.
Verstappen’s title lead, while still significant, could shrink if the stewards impose a harsher penalty, making the championship battle even more intense as the season progresses.
