The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 33 (Max Verstappen), the driver of car 44
(Lewis Hamilton) and team representative, reviewed the video and telemetry
evidence and determined that the driver of Car 33 was predominantly at fault.
At turn 21 the driver of car 33 was given the instruction to give back a position to car
44 and was told by the team to do so “strategically”. Car 33 slowed significantly at
turn 26. However, it was obvious that neither driver wanted to take the lead prior to
DRS detection line 3.
The driver of Car 33 stated that he was wondering why Car 44 had not overtaken and
the driver of Car 44 stated that, not having been aware at that stage that Car 33 was
giving the position back, was unaware of the reason Car 33 was slowing. In deciding
to penalise the driver of Car 33, the key point for the Stewards was that the driver of
Car 33 then braked suddenly (69 bar) and significantly, resulting in 2.4g deceleration.
Whilst accepting that the driver of Car 44 could have overtaken Car 33 when that car
first slowed, we understand why he (and the driver of Car 33) did not wish to be the
first to cross the DRS.
However, the sudden braking by the driver of Car 33 was determined by the Stewards
to be erratic and hence the predominant cause of the collision and hence the
standard penalty of 10 seconds for this type of incident, is imposed.
Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the
Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and
Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.