Norris Explains Why He Reported Verstappen At End Of Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Monday, 16 September 2024 at 11:01

Lando Norris clarified why he reported Max Verstappen on his team radio during the cooldown lap after the end of the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Red Bull Racing F1 driver Max Verstappen, who finished the 17th round of the season at Baku City Circuit in P5, had to visit stewards for overtaking under a virtual safety car after the chequered flag.

The Dutchman was reported by his championship rival Lando Norris, who said on the radio as soon as he was passed by the triple World Champion on the track:

“"Max is overtaking everyone. It’s still a VSC (virtual safety car), right? I don’t know if it still matters or not, but it’s still a VSC."”

As a result, stewards noted this incident and summoned Max Verstappen after the Grand Prix. However, he wasn't the only driver who overtook under VSC.

Other drivers summoned for the same infringement included Nico Hulkenberg along with Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly from Alpine.

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Lando Norris participated in an interview with F1TV right after the race, and when he was asked why he complained about Verstappen's overtake after the chequered flag, he replied:

“"I didn't complain about anything, I just stated facts. I just had VSC on my dash with the yellow lights. Obviously, there was a crash with paramedics on track, which normally means no overtaking, but he was overtaking."”

“"So I questioned it, I quizzed it to my team because I didn’t think you were allowed to overtake but maybe I’m wrong."”

As to what Max Verstappen thought about the investigation, the 26-year-old F1 driver said he was surprised as the race was over at the point when he started overtaking other drivers. He told the media in Baku:

“"We crossed the line, the race is finished, and there are a lot of examples in the past, this year as well, when we have done exactly the same thing. So, for me, I'm a bit surprised."”

Ultimately, all drivers noted for overtaking under the virtual safety car after the chequered flag escaped only with a warning from the stewards.

However, in Verstappen's case, the official document published by FIA also noted this hasn't been the first time he has broken this rule (although it wasn't spotted earlier in the season) and warned: "Further breaches may incur significant penalties."