FIA announce F1 champion penalty verdict after Las Vegas Grand Prix in…read more
The FIA has announced its verdict on penalties handed out during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, clarifying the consequences of key incidents involving championship leader Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell.
Reigning champion Verstappen was penalized for an aggressive maneuver against Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc during the opening lap at Turn 1. In a heated battle for the lead, Verstappen forced Leclerc off the track, an action deemed overly forceful by race stewards. The decision resulted in a five-second time penalty and two points added to Verstappen’s super license. Initially, Verstappen retained the lead, but the penalty forced him to serve the time during his first pit stop, causing him to drop to 11th place.
Despite this early setback, Verstappen demonstrated remarkable recovery, utilizing strategic pit stops and exceptional pace to climb back up the order. He ultimately secured his 18th win of the season, further cementing his dominant campaign. In post-race interviews, Verstappen admitted the penalty was justified, though he had expressed frustration over the radio when the decision was announced.
The race also saw George Russell of Mercedes penalized for a separate incident involving Verstappen. Russell made contact with the Red Bull driver during a mid-race battle, causing damage and disruption. The stewards issued Russell a five-second time penalty and added two points to his super license, mirroring Verstappen’s punishment. The penalty proved costly for Russell, as he dropped from a potential podium finish to eighth place. He later accepted full responsibility for the collision, expressing disappointment over his performance and the lost opportunity to secure a stronger result.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix was marked by intense competition among the sport’s leading teams, with Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes all showing moments of brilliance. Charles Leclerc, who had been forced off the track in the opening incident with Verstappen, recovered to claim a well-earned second place. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez rounded out the podium after fending off challenges from his teammate and other competitors in a tightly contested race.
The penalties and dramatic on-track battles highlighted the ever-present tension between aggressive racing and fair play, adding another layer of intrigue to the season’s penultimate race.
