Verstappen ‘surprise’ at Azerbaijan GP summons

Max Verstappen has conceded to ‘surprise’ at facing a stewards’ investigation following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Three-time F1 champion Verstappen is one of a quartet of drivers required to defend a charge of overtaking under virtual safety car conditions after the chequered flag at the Baku Street Circuit.

Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg and Alpine pair Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly are the others.

The VSC was called after a heavy crash into a wall involving Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez of Red Bull on the penultimate lap.

The incident involving Verstappen, Hulkenberg, Ocon and Gasly took place after the chequered flag had fallen, with the VSC still in play.

Addressing the issue ahead of seeing the stewards, speaking to Sky Sports F1, Verstappen said: “I didn’t pass under the virtual safety car [on-board footage shows he did].

“I crossed the line. The race has finished. A lot of examples in the past, and this year as well, where we have all done exactly the same thing, so for me, I’m a bit surprised.”