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Verstappen summoned over checking Hamilton DRS issue in parc ferme
Max Verstappen has been summoned to the stewards on Saturday morning at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix for allegedly breaching regulations by checking Lewis Hamilton’s DRS in parc ferme.
Hamilton beat Verstappen by over 0.4s in qualifying for the Sprint event at Interlagos, but was later under investigation for his DRS exceeding the maximum distance when opened. Such a technical infringement usually leads to exclusion from a session, but the stewards spent more than an hour with Mercedes before adjourning the investigation overnight.
It has now been confirmed that Verstappen has also been summoned to see the stewards on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. local time, having been filmed checking his own rear wing elements and then Hamilton’s in parc ferme. Verstappen has been summoned due to an alleged breach of article 2.5.1 if the International Sporting Code, which states:
“Inside the Parc Ferme, only the officials assigned may enter. No operation, checking, tuning or repair is allowed unless authorized by the same officials or by the applicable regulations.”
That means there is a chance Verstappen is penalized for breaching the ISC, while the Mercedes case remains undecided. The stewards could even penalize both drivers if they feel Verstappen breached the code but that it doesn't account for the Mercedes infringement.
Both investigations will continue on Saturday morning, with Hamilton's rear wing having been removed and impounded under seal by the FIA.
Presented by:
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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