Max Verstappen keeps his pole position in Suzuka after a simple reprimand from the FIA
Max Verstappen was under investigation after qualifying, for blocking Lando Norris in Q3, forcing the latter to desperately avoid him off track at Suzuka.
During the 3rd qualifying session for the Japanese Grand Prix, Lando Norris narrowly avoided a terrible accident with Max Verstappen. As the Dutch driver was warming up his tires for one final lap, he appeared to slide and ended up sideways in the middle of the track, just as Lando Norris was approaching at full speed.
Fortunately, the Briton was able to avoid it by veering to the left at the last moment, an incident that nevertheless cost him his final lap in Q3, with the McLaren driver finishing in 10th position. Max Verstappen was able to retain his pole position after a mistake from Charles Leclerc in the third sector.
Following this incident, the FIA announced that both drivers would be under investigation after qualifying. After hearing them, the commissioners finally decided to give a simple reprimand to the Red Bull driver, who remains in pole position for Sunday’s race.
Due to a lack of tire temperature on car 1, the driver (Max Verstappen) temporarily lost control of the car, which resulted in a counterclockwise spin. The driver of car 4 (Lando Norris) stated that it was simply an unfortunate incident, but it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain control of their car at all times, according to the FIA.
Regarding the sanction, all previous offenses of this nature that have resulted in a reprimand, the FIA has therefore decided to impose a similar penalty on Max Verstappen.
