Qatar Grand Prix – Verstappen, Bottas and Sainz under investigation
While the qualifying session, won by Lewis Hamilton, ended a few hours ago, several drivers including Max Verstappen are summoned to the race stewards due to not respecting the yellow flag.
Will Max Verstappen start from the front row tomorrow? Nothing is certain. The Red Bull driver is summoned tomorrow at 11 am, French time, by the stewards following an investigation for not respecting a double yellow flag.
Indeed, in his last attempt in Q3, the French driver Pierre Gasly made a mistake in the final part of the circuit, causing the loss of his front wing and a puncture on his front right tire. The AlphaTauri driver therefore created a double yellow flag in that sector, forcing other drivers to slow down.
However, Max Verstappen improved his time when crossing the line, as he was just behind Gasly on his last quick lap. The images clearly show that a double yellow flag was displayed to Red Bull n.33 but he apparently did not slow down. An investigation has therefore been opened regarding the Dutchman’s case… and more!
Indeed, Pierre Gasly was ahead of the majority of the other drivers, and thus we also find the third on the grid Valtteri Bottas under investigation, as well as the highest-placed Ferrari, that of Carlos Sainz.
However, regarding these two drivers, the reason for the violation is failure to respect a single yellow flag, implying that Max Verstappen could face a more severe penalty than his counterparts. The two drivers were farther away at the time, so it was not a double yellow flag situation for them.
A grid penalty is therefore not to be ruled out for his three drivers, which would greatly benefit their rivals. Starting with Lewis Hamilton in view of the championship, but also Gasly and Alonso in search of a possible podium.
As a reminder, the Qatar Grand Prix will take place this Sunday, November 21 at 3 p.m.
