Max Verstappen has been stripped of pole position for failing to slow sufficiently for a yellow flag in the wake of Valtteri Bottas’ crash during qualifying in Mexico, with Charles Leclerc promoted to top spot.
Verstappen, already on provisional pole, improved on his effort and set a purple time through the final sector, in which a single yellow flag was shown due to Bottas’ crash moments beforehand.
Stewards did not initially launch an investigation.
A senior representative from the FIA informed Motorsport Week that data showed Verstappen had slowed sufficiently through the relevant mini-sector.
Verstappen himself in the press conference emphasised that he did not back off.
Stewards subsequently summoned Verstappen to a hearing and deemed his actions worthy of a three-place grid penalty.
Stewards deemed that video, audio and telemetry evidence “clearly showed that the driver attempted to set a meaningful lap time and failed to reduce his speed in the relevant marshalling sector.
“Driver of Car 33 (Verstappen) admitted that he was aware that Car 77 (Bottas) crashed and did see the car on the left-hand-side of the track, but was not aware of the waved yellow flag.
“He also admitted not reducing his speed on the yellow sector.
“The stewards noted from the onboard images of Car 33 that the waved yellow flag was clearly visible and was shown with enough notice.
“The previous driver (Car 5 – Sebastian Vettel) reduced speed significantly as per the regulations.”
It means that Ferrari will lock out the front row of the grid, with Leclerc taking his seventh pole position of the year, ahead of team-mate Vettel.
Lewis Hamilton will start from third spot.
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