Max Verstappen F1 News: FIA announce penalty verdict after chaotic Azerbaijan GP

Max Verstappen, Red Bull, FIA, 2024, Social, Photoshop — Photo: © IMAGO

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

FIA announce Verstappen penalty verdict after CHAOTIC Azerbaijan GP

Max Verstappen was investigated by the FIA following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku

By Sheona Mountford.

Monday 16 September 2024 02:00

The FIA has announced their penalty verdict following an investigation into Red Bull star Max Verstappen at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Sunday’s race around the streets of Baku proved to be an excellent watch, with a constant battle for the lead throughout as pole-sitter Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri went wheel to wheel.

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It was the Aussie who went on to take the victory, taking his second win of the season.

Leclerc had to make do with a second-place podium finish, whilst Mercedes' Geroge Russell eventually came home in third following a chaotic ending to the race after a collision between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz.

Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez crashed in Baku

FIA announce Verstappen penalty verdict

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Sainz and Perez were both investigated for the incident, but Verstappen eventually was, too, for overtaking under VSC conditions after the chequered flag.

Will Max Verstappen be penalised after the Azerbaijan GP?

The Dutchman was seen giving Norris and George Russell a thumbs up as he drove past them after the chequered flag was waved, with the race already concluded at this point.

“I didn’t pass under the VSC, we crossed the line, the race was finished,” Verstappen said to Sky Sports after the race.

“There’s a lot of examples where we’ve done the same thing, so I was a bit surprised.”

Clearly, the stewards disagreed. However, the FIA has now announced that Verstappen will not be penalized for the incident, with the reigning champion instead receiving an official warning.

This is a big boost to the three-time champion as he looks to add a fourth drivers' title to his long list of achievements.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Charles Leclerc FIA Oscar Piastri Azerbaijan Grand Prix