Four F1 stars including Max Verstappen handed warnings for overtaking after race had FINISHED as fans left baffled
MAX VERSTAPPEN and three other drivers avoided punishment for overtaking after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix had finished.
Verstappen, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly and Nico Hulkenberg were all issued warnings after they were spotted overtaking under the Virtual Safety Car.
Despite the race having already been won by Oscar Piastri by the time the overtaking was completed, drivers still have to avoid overtaking while the VSC is in place – which it was.
The VSC had been brought in following an astonishing crash on the penultimate lap of the Baku City Circuit that saw podium chasers Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez crash out of contention.
Fortunately for the four drivers caught overtaking, the decision was taken to issue warnings rather than offering up penalties.
However, the stewards have warned that any repeat offending “may lead to significant penalties”.
A statement read: “While passing after the chequered flag is not unusual, it is prohibited in the case of yellows, Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car procedures.
“While the drivers were aware of where the incident was, they could not have known if emergency equipment or marshals were being dispatched onto the track, and so have to proceed with caution.
“The Stewards are aware that this has happened earlier this season and was not noticed at the time.
“We are therefore warning the driver concerned, along with all other competitors. Further breaches may incur significant penalties.”
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Fans were confused at first by the warnings and took to social media to react.
One wrote: “But the race was over, right? I don’t understand where the infraction was committed there? Maybe I’m stupid, but I don’t understand…”
While another added: “If Verstappen gets penalised for this I’m suing the FIA.”
Others sided with the FIA, reiterating that rules are rules and the drivers need to follow them for everyone’s safety.
One posted: “The point is, the hazard is still on the road. It is not a video game where you cross the finish line and all sudden the road is clean. There was still two cars crashed into each other.”
And a second reiterated: “VSC is VSC.. rules still apply even if its after the race.”
The chaos in Baku meant George Russell jumped into third place behind Charles Leclerc in second.
While Oscar Piastri upstaged Lando Norris as McLaren soared into the lead of the Constructors’ Championship.
The result means McLaren now boasts a 20-point lead in the constructors’ standings over Red Bull.