Verstappen faces investigation over F1 parc ferme breach
Verstappen, along with team representatives from Red Bull, will be required to report to the stewards at 9.30am local time (12.30pm GMT) on Saturday morning in Brazil in relation to a possible infringement of Article 2.5.1 of the FIA International Sporting Code.
It comes after video footage emerged on social media in the hours after Friday’s qualifying session that appeared to show Verstappen touching the rear wing of title rival Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes.
F1’s rules forbid unauthorised checking of cars in parc ferme, with Article 2.5.1 stating: "Inside the Parc Fermé, only the officials assigned may enter.
“No operation, checking, tuning or repair is allowed unless authorised by the same officials or by the applicable regulations.”
Verstappen checked out Hamilton's rear wing in parc ferme after qualifying #F1 #BrazilGP https://t.co/dVtiBGDkzS
— CRASH.NET/F1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) November 12, 2021
Verstappen has subsequently been dragged into the stewards’ investigation surrounding the legality of the rear wing on Hamilton’s Mercedes.
The hearing over Hamilton’s alleged DRS infringement has been adjourned until Saturday morning while the stewards await more evidence.
The outcome of both hearings could potentially have huge ramifications on this year’s world championship.
Verstappen currently leads Hamilton by 19 points heading into this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The championship contenders were set to line up alongside each other on the front row of the grid for Saturday’s sprint qualifying race, though it remains to be seen whether either, or both, will face a penalty.
