Formula 1 world championship leader Max Verstappen, initially 3rd in the Brazilian GP sprint on Saturday, drops to 4th place after being found guilty of an offense committed under the virtual safety car (VSC) regime, the commissioners said.
In their decision, the commissioners considered that the Dutchman from Red Bull had benefited from a “sporting advantage under VSC” after having driven too fast a few moments before the resumption of the race, neutralized due to a mechanical problem on the Haas of the German Nico Hulkenberg.
For this infraction, Verstappen received a five-second penalty which made him lose his place on the podium to the benefit of Charles Leclerc, new third in this sprint won by the Dutchman’s championship pursuer Lando Norris.
In the championship, Verstappen thus gives up three points, and no longer two, to his rival Norris. He now has a 44-point lead before the traditional Grand Prix which will be contested on Sunday, from 6:00 p.m. (Paris time), at the end of which up to 26 points will be up for grabs.
Until then, the drivers will compete in “classic” qualifying on Saturday, which will determine the starting grid for the GP where Verstappen will only start, at best, 6th.
Indeed, the three-time reigning champion received a penalty of five places due to a change of internal combustion engine beyond the authorized quotas.
F1 Brazilian GP Verstappen sprint race
Belgium
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