Portuguese Grand Prix – FIA once again accused by Red Bull of track limits
Best lap cancelled for Max Verstappen, the Red Bull clan rumbles!
There are no small profits in Formula 1! Especially at the beginning of the season, like at the top of the sport. If Red Bull lost the Portuguese battle, the Austrian team did not appreciate the decision sent by the FIA at the end: to take away the point for the best lap obtained on track by Max Verstappen, who finished second in the Portugal Grand Prix.
Unable to catch up with Hamilton at the end of the race, the Red Bull driver pushed to secure the fastest lap, which was held by Valtteri Bottas. While the Dutchman succeeded in his attempt on the final lap, his performance (1:19.849) was canceled by the FIA. The reason was track limits exceeded by the driver in the 14th turn.
Verstappen, Horner, and Marko are unanimous
The FIA had warned at the beginning of the weekend: drivers were required to keep at least one wheel on the kerb at this 14th turn. In reference to the FIA sporting regulations, drivers had to always make a “reasonable effort to use the track and not leave it without a valid reason.” The governing body concluded that Red Bull #33 left the track to gain an advantage and set the fastest lap time.
A decision that Verstappen immediately contested in the Park Ferme: « it’s strange because they (ed: the FIA stewards) were not supposed to check the limits in turn 14. »
His boss Christian Horner was frustrated speaking to the English channel Sky Sports F1. Frustrated about losing that fastest lap point: « track limits and the consistency with which they are enforced remain a thorny issue. » Red Bull’s team principal is upset especially since he accuses Lando Norris’ McLaren of overtaking his driver Sergio Pérez off track at the start of the race.
Christian Horner: « track limits and the consistency with which they are applied remain a thorny issue. »
The same sound echoes in the paddock with the head of the Red Bull team. According to Helmut Marko, something needs to change regarding track limits.
An issue not yet resolved, even though the FIA has finally clarified the matter since the controversy of the Bahrain Grand Prix. So, is Red Bull a sore loser?
