Lando Norris thinks Max Verstappen broke rules with F1 star set to be investigated after Azerbaijan GP
Lando Norris has suggested Max Verstappen broke the rules at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday
REUTERS
Lando Norris has suggested Max Verstappen broke the rules at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday.
The Red Bull star is one of four drivers under investigation for overtaking drivers under Virtual Safety Car conditions in Baku, on a day when Oscar Piastri secured glory.
The VSC was used on the 50th lap of the race following a crash between Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz Jr.
Verstappen crossed the finish line 40 seconds after Norris, who remained at VSC speeds as he settled for fourth behind George Russell.
F1 news: Lando Norris has suggested Max Verstappen broke the rules at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday
REUTERS
On the team radio, Norris queried Verstappen's driving.
"Max is overtaking everyone," he said. "It's still a VSC, right? I don't know if it still matters or not, but it's still a VSC."
Then, speaking after the race, Norris expressed a belief that Verstappen didn't comply with the rules.
“I just had ‘VSC’ on my dash with yellow lights, similar to what I had yesterday," he said.
JUST IN:Canelo Alvarez left furious after win over Edgar Berlanga - 'I got a little angry'
“Obviously there was a crash, there was paramedics on-track, things like that, which normally means no overtaking.
“But he was overtaking. So I just questioned it, I quizzed it to my team, because I didn’t think you’re allowed to overtake."
He did, however, add: "But, maybe I’m wrong.”
Verstappen has denied any wrongdoing, with the Red Bull driver admitting he was surprised after learning that he was under investigation.
READ MORE:Luke Littler makes feelings clear after being booed and jeered in Raymond van Barneveld win
“I didn’t pass under the Virtual Safety Car," he told Sky Sports.
“We crossed the line, the race is finished, and there are a lot of examples in the past, this year as well, when we have done exactly the same thing.
"So for me I’m a bit surprised.”
Nico Hulkenberg, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon are the other drivers under investigation.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Christian Horner makes stance clear after crash involving Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz at Azerbaijan GP
- England next manager: FA chiefs 'think Lee Carsley has just one rival for job' as concern emerges
- Emma Raducanu dubbed 'stubborn' after 'dubious decision' as former coach opens up following US Open nightmare
F1 news: Max Verstappen is under investigation following the Azerbaijan GP
REUTERS
Meanwhile, Norris said he was 'happy to help' team-mate Piastri secure glory in Baku - after being ordered to fend off Perez during the big event.
When asked if it was 'difficult' to accept the orders from his team, he said: “It’s tough.
"At that point I was stuck behind Alex, so couldn’t do a lot. I didn’t slow down, I just saved my tyres a little bit more.
“It allowed Oscar to stay ahead and potentially get a win.
F1 news: Lando Norris was pleased to help Oscar Piastri win the Azerbaijan Grand Prix
REUTERS
"I’m happy that I helped him, and played a small part in that. I don’t think it cost me. It’s always impossible to know.
“I was stuck behind Alex so I don’t think it changed the outcome. But it changed the outcome for Oscar so that was my job, to help Oscar.”