Max Verstappen has angrily spoken out against the FIA over one decision made during the final moments of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday.
Verstappen had a disappointing Formula One race weekend at Baku, finishing the race in fifth place, just one better than the position he earned during qualifying the day before.
Luckily for the Dutchman, Lando Norris, his championship rival, also suffered a disappointing weekend after a yellow flag in qualifying meant that the Brit finished in fourth having battled up the grid from 17th.
Advert
However, there is one thing in particular that happened during the race that Verstappen was furious with, and he has spoken out about it.
During the penultimate lap of the race, Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez collided with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz as the two battled for third place in the race.
The crash, which left debris across the track, led to the race being finished behind a virtual safety car, a decision which Verstappen has criticised.
Advert
"You should have sent out a safety car straight away. I don't get it. I mean, there are two cars right in the wall. I don't get why it has to take so long," Verstappen reportedly told RacingNews365.
"And then there's a double yellow. Why double? Just deploy a safety car! Nothing's going to happen. The track is completely blocked, there's dirt everywhere and there's damage. Why a virtual safety car, just deployed a safety car."
The introduction of the virtual safety card ended up being quite a headache for Verstappen, as after the race he was issued an official warning for his actions during the VSC.
After they had passed the chequered flag, Verstappen drove past Norris and George Russell to congratulate them on the fourth and third-placed finishes that they inhered after the crash.
Advert
However, passing another driver while a yellow flag is being waved is being prohibited and, despite it taking place after passing the finish line, Verstappen's actions technically breached this rule.
A statement from the race stewards said: "While passing after the chequered flag is not unusual, it is prohibited in the case of yellows, Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car procedures.
"We are therefore warning the driver concerned, along with all other competitors. Further breaches may incur significant penalties."
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Red Bull Racing
Ben McCrum