VSC Violation Sparks Controversy: Lando Norris Calls Out Verstappen in Azerbaijan GP
Lando Norris Reports Verstappen Violation to FIA
Lando Norris has warned the FIA of possible infringements by championship rival Max Verstappen following the Azerbaijan F1 Grand Prix.
Verstappen is one of four drivers under investigation for overtaking another driver while the virtual safety car (VSC) was deployed after a race. The VSC was introduced on the final lap of the race after Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz Jr. crashed.
The race ended with the top drivers crossing the line with VSC still in place, with Verstappen crossing the line 40 seconds behind Norris.
Norris remained at VSC speed and failed to pass George Russell in front of him, while Verstappen caught up with the two cars.
Verstappen passed Norris on the approach to Turn 18 and passed Russell before the right-hander of Turn 19. Norris immediately informed race engineer Will Joseph that he had been passed by Verstappen.
“Max is outpacing everyone,” Norris reported over the radio. “You’re still in the VSC, right? I don’t know if there’s still a problem, but I’m still in the VSC.”
Verstappen pitted ahead of Russell and Norris, and the two held their positions until reaching the pit lane.
Norris, who wasted a lap during yesterday’s qualifying by failing to notice the yellow flag, said he contacted the team to ask for information as he was unsure whether Verstappen’s actions were legal.
“Just like yesterday, the dashboard said ‘VSC’ and the yellow light was on,” Norris explained. “Obviously there was an accident and with the emergency services on the track it was not possible to overtake under normal circumstances.”
“But he was passing me. I was just wondering. I asked the team and I thought they couldn’t pass me. But maybe I’m wrong.
However, Verstappen denied making any unauthorised overtaking moves.
“I didn’t pass him during the virtual safety car,” Verstappen told Sky.
“You crossed the finish line, the race was over. And there are many examples in the past and this year of people doing exactly the same thing, so I’m a little surprised.”
Nico Hulkenberg, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon are also under investigation for overtaking after the race while the VSC was on board.
Category: Formula 1 / Lando Norris / McLaren F1 Team / Max Verstappen / F1 Azerbaijan GP