The Formula One paddock is abuzz with controversy as several teams join forces to demand answers from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) over recent decisions made at the Singapore Grand Prix. This collective discontent revolves around the treatment of Max Verstappen, with some suggesting that the reigning world champion may have escaped legitimate penalties.
The Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka is just around the corner, but the storm clouds of uncertainty and discontent from the previous race in Singapore are looming large. Paddock chatter is rife with speculation as teams demand that the FIA review the incidents at the Marina Bay circuit and provide a full explanation for their decisions.
Verstappen controversy
At the centre of this growing furore are the actions of Max Verstappen during the Singapore Grand Prix. The Dutchman found himself in the spotlight not for his racing skills, but for allegedly obstructing other drivers. Surprisingly, Verstappen emerged from these incidents without the penalties that many felt were warranted.
First incident
The first incident occurred during qualifying, when Verstappen left his garage just before his final hot lap in Q1.
In a bizarre turn of events, he came to an abrupt halt at the exit of the pit lane. This unexpected stop allegedly impeded the drivers behind him, including Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who were all forced to slam on their brakes.
Verstappen and Red Bull defended the move, claiming it was an attempt to allow those in front to gain some distance and ensure a fair start to his own flying lap.
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Second incident
The second incident, also in Q1, happened just before Verstappen was about to start his final hot lap. In the final sector of the track, a traffic jam had formed and Verstappen was caught up in the chaos. Navigating this chaotic terrain, he suddenly had to swerve to avoid Logan Sargeant, who was on his final push lap for Q1.
Remarkably, Verstappen escaped penalties for both incidents, much to the bemusement of many.
Third incident
The third and final incident eventually led to a reprimand for Verstappen. In Q2, he blatantly obstructed Yuki Tsunoda, forcing the Japanese driver to abandon his flying lap. It’s worth noting that similar incidents had previously resulted in a three-place grid penalty, making Verstappen’s reprimand seem rather lenient.
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Calls for clarity
The FIA’s handling of these incidents has sparked a chorus of discontent among the F1 teams. Their collective demand is that the FIA reopen these cases, scrutinise the details and provide transparent explanations for its decisions.
According to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, teams have called for incidents from last weekend at the Marina Bay Circuit to be “reopened, and the verdicts explained” by the FIA.
Japanese GP: Disaster for Hamilton
The central question plaguing the paddock is why Max Verstappen, the championship leader, avoided more severe penalties. Instead, Red Bull Racing was fined €5,000 for poor communication, a decision that has left several teams scratching their heads.
As the Suzuka Grand Prix beckons, the cloud of uncertainty over Verstappen’s Singapore saga remains. The F1 world awaits the FIA’s response to these demands, hoping for clarity and fairness in their quest for a level playing field. The championship hangs in the balance, with fans and teams alike eager to see this contentious chapter resolved for the 2023 season.
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Same rules should apply to all. A seasoned driver should know better. Someone is helping Verstapen cheat
Where did he cheat?
Much the same as when Hamilton was a champ a couple of years ago. He got away with a lot, it is never noticed the same if it is a lower placed driver commits the same offences.
Lewis Hamilton didn’t get away with anything, and often was penalised for the slightest misdemeanour, however it is quite obvious if your name is Max Verstappen and in a team called Red Bull or Christian Horner or Helmut Marko anything goes and you’ll get away with it.
Cry about it Nigel.
LH got away with many infringements over the term of the Mercedes dominance.
Merc were ten steps ahead of all other teams in terms of hybrid development and were gifted their titles during the early stages of the hybrid period.
I suppose you could say that, if you’re Mercedes you get away with it!!
The sport is becoming a laughing stock rules should applied to all f1 is now boring go back to the old days when each team chose their tryes and design their own cars lets have some proper racing
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