Verstappen receives reprimand, keeps Japanese GP pole

Following the close call incident between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in Q3 of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver has received a reprimand from the Stewards.

Norris called for a grid penalty to be given to the championship leader in the post-session media pen while Verstappen felt that the McLaren driver had broken the unwritten gentlemen’s agreement of not overtaking into the final corner before a flying lap.

In an official document filed by the FIA, the Stewards wrote: “The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 1 (Max Verstappen), the driver of Car 4 (Lando Norris) and team representatives and reviewed video and timing evidence.

“The driver of car 1 was aware of car 55 in front and car 4 approaching from behind and decided to accelerate at precisely the same time as car 4 decided to overtake car 1.

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“Unfortunately, due to lack of tyre temperature on car 1, the driver temporarily lost control of the car causing it to ‘snap’ anti-clockwise.

“The driver of car 4 stated that this was simply an unfortunate incident however it is the driver’s responsibility to at all times maintain control of their car.

“Regarding penalty, all previous breaches of this nature have resulted in a reprimand hence a similar penalty is imposed in this case.”

The resulting reprimand hasn’t harmed Verstappen’s chances of sealing his second consecutive world championship.

The Dutchman needs an eight-point advantage over rival Charles Leclerc and a six-point advantage over team-mate Sergio Perez at the conclusion of Sunday’s race to be crowned at Suzuka.