Max Verstappen Handed Reprimand After Qualifying Incident

Max Verstappen clinched pole position earlier today for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship’s Japanese Grand Prix.

However, in usual Formula 1 fashion, there was drama. Verstappen and Lando Norris nearly had a bad collision on their out laps in the third part of the qualifying session. Norris was speeding past at the 130R corner and had to take to his McLaren onto the grass to avoid the swerving Oracle Red Bull Racing driver warming up his tyres.

The incident was investigated after the session by the stewards, with it being deemed dangerous driving. An FIA official statement was released an hour after the conclusion of the session and announced that Verstappen would be given a reprimand for his actions.

“The driver of car 1 was aware of car 55 in front and car 4 approaching from behind and decided to accelerate at precisely the same time as car 4 decided to overtake car 1. Unfortunately, due to lack of tyre temperature on car 1, the driver temporarily lost control of the car causing it to ‘snap’ anti-clockwise.

“The driver of car 4 stated that this was simply an unfortunate incident however it is the driver’s responsibility to at all times maintain control of their car. Regarding penalty, all previous breaches of this nature have resulted in a Reprimand hence a similar penalty is imposed in this case.

“Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.

Verstappen is looking to secure his second World Championship this weekend and he will start from pole tomorrow.