Max Verstappen has prevented punishment for overtaking underneath a digital security automotive after the Components 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The world champion and several other different F1 drivers had been investigated for overtaking underneath digital security automotive circumstances after the end of an exhilarating race in Baku.
The VSC got here out for a crash on the penultimate lap between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz, who tangled on the run all the way down to Flip 3.
Their accident littered particles at that a part of the observe which drivers needed to weave via, whereas the conflict additionally introduced out the medical automotive as a precaution.
The circuit-wide VSC state of affairs, which prohibits any overtaking, stayed in pressure till after the chequered flag, when Pink Bull driver Verstappen was seen passing Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren driver Lando Norris on the principle straight earlier than getting into the pits, sticking his thumb out to congratulate Norris on popping out on high of their battle.
The Dutchman, nonetheless, was then summoned by the stewards, as had been Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg and Alpine duo Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
The quartet had been all given a warning, with Verstappen’s stewards evaluate explaining: “The driving force overtook different automobiles after the chequered flag, however whereas a VSC was nonetheless being displayed, following the crash at Flip 2.

Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing RB20
Picture by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Photographs
“The driving force was reminded that whereas passing after the chequered flag will not be uncommon, it’s prohibited within the case of yellows, security care or digital security automotive procedures.
“Whereas the drivers had been conscious of the place the incident was, they might not have identified if emergency gear or marshals had been being dispatched onto the observe, and so must proceed with warning.
“The Stewards are conscious that this occurred earlier this season and was not observed on the time. We’re subsequently warning the driving force involved, together with all different rivals. Additional breaches might incur important penalties.”
Talking forward of the stewards’ investigation, Verstappen stated he was stunned to have been known as in entrance of them.
“I do not know. I did every part appropriate. I crossed the road, end line, all good. Chequered flag. I believe on the in-lap, you understand, finish of the race, there are numerous examples earlier than the place it was the identical, digital security automotive, security automotive,” he stated.
“You drive in and on the in-lap, you understand, individuals are passing one another slowly or wave, nicely achieved, stuff like that. That is what I did. So I am a bit stunned.”
A punishment would have rounded off one other disappointing weekend for Verstappen, the reigning champion having completed fifth as he was one in all a number of drivers to profit from Leclerc and Sainz’s crash.
His lead on the high of the championship has been reduce to 59 factors and McLaren has moved forward of Pink Bull within the constructors’ standings.