Formula 1, Japanese GP: Verstappen’s pole position in Japan is threatened by the incident with Norris

While the two drivers prepared for their first fast laps in the third qualifying session at Suzuka, Max Verstappen slowly approached the legendary 130R corner and tried to warm up his tyres.

With a sharp oversteer from the RB18, the Dutchman’s car swerved sharply towards the left, just as Norris’ McLaren came towards us at very high speed. The youth Brit was forced onto grass to avoid a collision with Red Bull – anything which Verstappen called “incredible” on the radio.

The champion was decided to visit the judges at 11:00 (Greek time). The latter ruled that he had violated article 33.4 of the racing code. Which provides that “in At no time should a car be driven excessively slowly, nervously or underpoweredly dangerous for other drivers or another person”.

Verstappen apologized to Norris for the incident, but the Brit said he believed it the Dutchman faces a punishment. He decides about that Stewards after Verstappen’s hearing.

Despite this, Max seemed unconcerned as he stepped out of the RB18 at the end of the test Ranking: “I’m really happy about pole position, but even more that we came back here it was amazing that we drove again [στη Σουζούκα]said the Dutchman.

“I lost a bit of air and that’s why I didn’t improve the time my. Tomorrow the race will be interesting with the weather. I’m pretty optimistic we have one good car,” he concluded, based on predictions that it might rain during his race The Japanese GP (9/10, 08:00) collects the most chances.

Discussing the incident, Verstappen said it was caused by his cold tyres: “I was driving pretty slowly and wanted to accelerate but my tires were too cold so I had a difficult time. Then Lando apparently wanted to pass me at the same time and tried to avoid me.”

For his part, Norris said he expected punishment from the Dutchman as he felt Max’s move was expedient: “Of course it’s clear that he wanted to do something like this” said the Briton when asked if Verstappen had moved left to defend his track position to have a clear lap to start his first quick attempt in Q3.

“There are no rules about what you can do, but there are rules about what you can’t do. Drivers always swerve before the last bend [για έναν καθαρό γύρο]. Even if we all agree that it isn’t, everyone does it. That’s how it happens.

He probably would have done the same if he were me. But I wouldn’t lean to the left in a situation like that.”concluded Norris, predicting that Verstappen will “without a doubt” receive a penalty that will see him drop to 10th place at the start of tomorrow’s Japanese GP.

Photo credit: Associated Press