Max Verstappen is facing an investigation from the stewards for his actions at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and Lando Norris’ reaction has emerged.
Red Bull’s woes continued in Baku after a late crash saw Sergio Perez’s chances of a podium dashed in dramatic circumstances.
The Mexican - who is the most successful driver on the street track in Azerbaijan - was pushing to overtake Charles Leclerc but collided with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz which resulted in both men ending the race against the wall.
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McLaren’s Oscar Piastri went on to win the race while Lando Norris put in a spectacular performance to finish fourth after starting from P15 on the grid, one place ahead of Max Verstappen.
Things could have gone from bad to worse for Red Bull and Verstappen after the reigning champion was under investigation from the stewards for a potential virtual safety car violation.
It was alleged the Dutchman overtook cars during the virtual safety car yellow flags after the race had ended.
The on-board footage from Verstappen’s car appeared to show the Red Bull driver pulling alongside Norris and waving his hand before passing towards George Russell and giving the Mercedes driver the thumbs up.
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Now, Norris’ radio message while Verstappen passed him has emerged.
He said: “Max is overtaking everyone. It’s still a VSC (virtual safety car) right? So? I don’t know whether it matters or not but it’s still a VSC.”
F1 fans have reacted furiously to the message and can’t believe Norris was quick to flag his actions when it appeared Verstappen was congratulating his friend.
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One fan said: “Max needs to understand that off track Lando is not his friend. Lando would stab him in the back at the first opportunity.”
Another said: “So unnecessary to say anything. Kinda cringe tbh.”
A third added: “My guy congratulated him on his race and got that in response.”
A fourth said: “I don't even understand why Max is so nice to Lando after all the things he says and does like bro he doesn't deserve it.”
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A fifth fan said: “And he claims to be his best friend? Idk man, typically best friends don’t rat each other out.”
However, some fans claim Norris was simply doing what any title challenger would do in the same situation regardless of his friendship with Verstappen.
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They said: “As Max would’ve done if it was the other way round and rightly so.”
Another fan said: “Lando did exactly what he's supposed to in a title battle.”
A third concluded: “Championship is at risk. If it was the other way around, Max would do the same.”
The investigation has now concluded with Verstappen being handed a warning for his actions as confirmed by the FIA.
Their statement reads: "The driver overtook other cars after the chequered flag, but while a VSC was still being displayed, following the crash at Turn 2. The driver was reminded that 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."
Verstappen holds a 59-point lead over the Brit and hit back at suggestions he broke the rules after the chequered flag had been waved.
He told Sky Sports: “To be honest, I did not pass under the virtual safety car, we crossed the line, the race was finished.
“There's a lot of examples in the past and this year as well where we have all done exactly the same thing. So for me, I'm a bit surprised.”
Topics: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Marcus Banks