Max Verstappen was investigated by the stewards after qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix, but no penalty followed. Here is why that is the case.
Verstappen had to go to the stewards to explain why he was exceeded the maximum delta time from the second to the first Safety Car line.
About an hour after the session, it was announced that the Red Bull Racing driver would not receive a penalty and would remain in third place.
Why wasn't Verstappen penalised?
Stewards explain that Verstappen drove 3.8 seconds over the time specificed in the race director's notes, the FIA shared. This took place after the conclusion of Q3.
The report reads: "The driver of Car 1 showed us telemetry that proved that he would have been within the delta time but for the yellow flag being shown towards the end of the lap – he had to slow significantly to comply with the yellow flag rules. This is what led to his delta time reflecting an infringement in the system.
"We accepted his rationale for slowing down and accordingly took no further action."
For Verstappen, this means he will start from P3 on the grid on Sunday. The Dutchman was around two tenths slower than the two McLarens.
Talking to GPblog among others after the session, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella warned of a 'powerful weapon' the Dutchman has at his disposal, if used at the right moment.
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