This is why Verstappen did not get a penalty for the pitlane incident
Red Bull Content Pool
F1 News
Max Verstappen failed to secure pole position during qualifying in Mexico. The Dutchman set the third fastest time, and was later scrutinised by the stewards. The reigning and three-time world champion was not given a penalty for his pitlane incident. Here's why Verstappen did not get a penalty!
So what happened to Verstappen?
Verstappen drove too slowly in the pit lane, (unnecessarily) holding up the drivers behind him in the process. After qualifying, the Red Bull driver went to the stewards to explain his perspective of the possible penalty that would be hanging over his head. In the end, Verstappen did not receive a penalty after the stewards' decision.
The FIA has instituted a new rule that drivers can't have a slower lap time than stated. This means that drivers naturally want to have an ideal track position, which in turn causes drivers to want to wait in the pit lane. He wanted to create space in order to set a good lap time.
Stewards pass judgement on Verstappen's incident
"The Stewards consider that the entire set of incidents occurred as a direct result of the implementation of the minimum lap time between SC2 and SC1 which is designed (correctly so, in our view) to avoid dangerous backing-up of cars on the circuit during qualifying," the stewards report.
"We note that there are contrary requirements on drivers in that they must respect the minimum time, they are attempting to create manageable gaps to cars in front, yet they are also required to avoid unnecessary stopping at the pit exit or driving unnecessarily slowly," the stewards conclude.
latest news
