ZANDVOORT, Netherlands — Championship contender Max Verstappen is under investigation for overtaking under red flags during Friday’s second practice session and could face a grid penalty at his home grand prix this weekend.
On-board footage from Verstappen’s car showed him passing Lance Stroll between Turns 10 and 11 just after red flags were displayed for Lewis Hamilton stopping at track early in first practice.
However, the speed difference between the two cars was significant and Verstappen did not pass a trackside light board displaying a red flag before passing the Aston Martin.
Nevertheless, Verstappen would have had a message on his steering wheel indicating the red flag.
Verstappen was summoned to the stewards at 10:45 on Saturday morning along with team manager Jonathan Wheatley.
Such violations are often taken seriously by the stewards as waving red flags are race control’s way of neutralising a session to deal with a dangerous situation.
The stewards have the power to issue a range of penalties or opt against punishing Verstappen depending on the circumstances and the outcome of their investigation.
Verstappen is currently three points behind championship leader Lewis Hamilton ahead of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.
https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/32143800/max-verstappen-investigation-face-dutch-gp-grid-penalty
