Steward Decision Report: Recent Ruling Involving Max Verstappen

INTRO:

On October 1, 2023, during the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, the race stewards made a significant ruling involving Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen. The decision was related to an incident that took place on Lap 20 of the race, where Verstappen made contact with another competitor. The stewards reviewed the incident post-race and issued their verdict.

SECTION 1: Steward Ruling

The stewards determined that Verstappen was predominantly at fault for the collision with Charles Leclerc of Scuderia Ferrari. They cited Article 38.1 of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Code, which pertains to causing a collision. As a result of this ruling, Verstappen received a three-place grid penalty for the next race, the Qatar Grand Prix, on October 8, 2023.

SECTION 2: Incident Context

The incident that prompted the steward’s review began when Verstappen attempted an overtaking maneuver on Leclerc towards the end of the second sector on Lap 20. Verstappen, who was in pursuit of a podium finish, chose the inside line at the corner. Leclerc, who was already occupying that space, did not yield. The two cars collided, resulting in damage to Leclerc’s car, subsequently forcing him to retire from the race. The incident prompted immediate concerns over driver safety and on-track conduct, leading race control to summon the stewards for a review.

SECTION 3: Immediate Impact

The decision had immediate ramifications for both drivers. Verstappen, who finished the race in third place, was demoted to a sixth-place finish following the penalty. This shift not only altered his final standing in the Japanese Grand Prix but also had implications for his points total in the championship standings. Leclerc’s race ended prematurely, costing him valuable points as well.

SECTION 4: Team or Driver Context

Red Bull Racing expressed their disappointment regarding the decision, emphasizing their belief that the collision resulted from a racing incident rather than negligence on Verstappen’s part. Verstappen himself indicated that he had not been at fault, arguing that both drivers had been racing hard and that the situation was simply an unfortunate outcome of intra-race competition. The team stated their intention to review the incident further and assess whether there would be grounds for an appeal.

SECTION 5: What Happens Next

Following the steward’s decision, the official appeal window is set to open immediately. Teams have 72 hours to lodge any formal appeals against steward rulings. Red Bull Racing indicated they would take the time to evaluate their options thoroughly before deciding whether to appeal the three-place grid penalty imposed on Verstappen.

In the meantime, Verstappen will be preparing for the Qatar Grand Prix under the impending shadow of this penalty, which could impact his strategy and positioning for the upcoming race.

As fans anticipate what lies ahead, a question remains: How do you feel about the steward’s decision and its impact on the championship battle?