The FIA has completed its review concerning Max Verstappen and Lando Norris following allegations of rule violations during the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort held last weekend. Both drivers were under scrutiny regarding potential penalties for driving too slowly during the reconnaissance laps before the race, an issue that has previously impacted Verstappen. This development follows a dramatic race won by Oscar Piastri amidst various incidents affecting top contenders.
Race Events and Incidents Impacting Competitors
The Dutch GP saw intense competition between McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, with the latter defending his home advantage on the Zandvoort circuit. Unfortunately, Norris was forced to retire due to an engine failure, joining other high-profile DNFs such as the two Ferraris. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton suffered a crash on lap 23 at Turn 3, which brought out a safety car. Later in the race, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli was penalized with a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points after causing a collision with Charles Leclerc on lap 53.
Findings on Alleged Breaches During Pre-Race Laps
The FIA’s investigation focused on a potential breach of Article 33.4 of the FIA F1 Sporting Regulations and Article 12.2.1 i) of the FIA International Sporting Code, which relates to compliance with the Race Director’s Event Notes. Verstappen, Norris, along with Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz, were scrutinized for allegedly falling below the mandated speed limits during reconnaissance laps, specifically relating to exceeding the 1:26.0 maximum time between Safety Car lines.
To determine whether a penalty was warranted, stewards examined multiple sources of evidence including marshaling and positioning data, timing records, on-board camera footage, and closed-circuit television coverage. Despite some drivers recording times above the limit, the FIA stated they slowed down deliberately to avoid obstructing others, effectively maintaining race safety.
FIA’s Official Ruling on Speed-Related Penalties
The FIA announced that all the drivers investigated maintained speeds necessary to ensure compliance with race rules over most of the circuit. Crucially, each took appropriate measures to avoid impeding fellow competitors by significantly reducing speed at moments to provide a clear track. As a result, the stewards ruled that none of the drivers involved should be penalized for driving ‘unnecessarily slowly’ during the reconnaissance laps.
The Stewards therefore determine that all drivers concerned did not drive ‘unnecessarily slowly’, and that they were above the maximum time because they took appropriate steps, and we therefore take no further action.
—FIA Stewards
Implications and Future Considerations Following FIA Decision
This ruling has relieved Max Verstappen and Lando Norris from any late penalties following the Dutch GP, a decision that will impact their preparations and strategies for upcoming races. Verstappen, who was previously penalized for such infractions, can avoid additional penalty points that might affect his standing. Meanwhile, the incident highlights the FIA’s continued vigilance over race conduct, emphasizing driver safety and fair competition amid tightly contested conditions.
As the F1 season progresses, the governing body’s enforcement of regulations will remain critical in managing race integrity, especially with competitive rivalries heating up. The verdict also brings clarity for teams and drivers as they approach future events, including the Italian GP, where penalties and race incidents continue to influence championship dynamics.
