This is why Verstappen is being investigated by the FIA stewards in Brazil

Why is Max Verstappen being investigated by the stewards?

Verstappen was close to Piastri during the virtual safety car and commented that the McLaren driver might slow down to give his teammate Lando Norris an advantage. Just before the virtual safety car ended, the Dutchman almost drove alongside the Australian, only to ease off his throttle slightly.

However, this does not appear to be the reason the FIA investigated Verstappen. The reason was that he allegedly drove too fast during the VSC, faster than the minimum time set by the FIA. During a virtual safety car situation, drivers must stay close to a predetermined lap and sector time to avoid speeding. Drivers are shown the times on their steering wheel dashboard, allowing them to adjust how fast they drive to stay within the rules.

For Formula 1 drivers, the aim is to stay as close to that target time as possible but not go faster. A penalty could potentially follow if they go faster than allowed by the time the virtual safety car ends and the green flag is waved. Verstappen was due to report to the stewards at 12:45pm local time (15:45 UK time) and awaits the verdict. A five-second time penalty would cost him one place - and thus one point in the World Championship.

This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton