Max Verstappen has been summoned to the Formula 1 stewards over the manner in which he checked his and title rival Lewis Hamilton’s cars after Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying.
Verstappen was filmed checking the top of his Red Bull’s rear wing and the rear wing of Hamilton’s Mercedes after qualifying at Interlagos.
The way he grabbed both rear wings could have potentially been for a comparison but whatever the reason assessing both was clearly by design.
Shortly after qualifying an issue was identified with the top element of Hamilton’s rear wing.
A stewards hearing was called but later adjourned for the evening as they awaited more evidence.
That was quickly followed by a summons for Verstappen for an alleged breach of the FIA International Sporting Code.
The article in question states that in parc ferme conditions – which the two cars Verstappen touched were in after qualifying – “no operation, checking, tuning or repair is allowed unless authorised by the same officials or by the applicable regulations”.
Presumably this is also part of the reason Hamilton’s hearing has been paused and will resume in the morning. Verstappen’s meeting with the stewards is set for 9.30am local time, but there is not yet a scheduled time for Hamilton’s to resume.
Verstappen qualified second behind Hamilton for the Saturday sprint race.
He holds a 19-point lead in the championship.
