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Defending Formula One champion Max Verstappen was called out by stewards after the second free practice session at the Belgian GP. The Red Bull driver was called out for a practice start infringement towards the end of the session. Verstappen was summoned by the stewards at 19:15 local time, with former racer Enrique Bernoldi on the panel of four.
The Dutchman breached Article 12.2.1 i) of the International Sporting Code and non-compliance with Race Director’s Event Note (Item 12, Document 3) – Practice start infringement.
“For reasons of safety and sporting equity, at any time the pit exit is open, and practice starts are permitted to be carried out, any driver who wishes to perform a practice start must form up in a line and leave in the order they got there unless another car is unduly delayed", t he stewards' report read.
After Verstappen saw the stewards, they issued a warning to the Red Bull driver for the particular incident. Their report said, “The Stewards heard from the drivers of Car 1 and team representatives and reviewed video evidence. At 17:59 during second practice, the driver of Car 1 passed a car that was in line to do practice starts and cut into the line to do a practice start, thereby not leaving in the order he arrived.”
The report continued, “This is a breach of the Racing Director’s Event Notes and the Stewards issued a Warning. 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.”
On the contrary, Max Verstappen produced an incredible performance in Free Practice 2 for the Belgian Grand Prix, as he was eight-tenths faster than anyone else. The Dutchman was delighted with his run as he said, “I think as soon as we went out, the car was working pretty well.”
“There’s always little things that you want to fine-tune with the balance, but basically from the first run, I was happy with the car. From the laps we did, the car was working well, so that’s a positive. Obviously, I would have liked to run a little bit more, [like] everyone else, but so far it’s been a good start,” he continued.
