For touching Hamilton’s vehicle, Verstappen was fined €50,000

After the FIA examined him for touching Mercedes’ rear wing, Max Verstappen received a fine of
50,000 Euros.

Verstappen was second fastest in qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Friday, crossing the
line 0.438s slower than Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen hopped out of his Red Bull and walked to the
rear of the vehicle after qualifying alongside Hamilton’s W12 and Valtteri Bottas’ Mercedes since
he was third fastest.

He was spotted on CCTV inspecting the back wing of his Red Bull before strolling over to
Hamilton’s vehicle and doing the same thing.

“Only the officials appointed may access the Parc Ferme,” according to Article 2.5.1 of the
International Sporting Code. No operation, check, tune, or repair is permitted unless the same
officials or the corresponding rules have given their approval.”

While it is common for drivers to view one other’s vehicles after qualifying or a grand prix, it is not
permissible to touch the car. What made the situation even more dangerous was the fact that the
FIA was investigating Hamilton’s back wing to see if it violated the DRS width limits.

“The stewards determine to take action in this case and order a fine of €50,000, despite the fact
that no direct harm was caused in this case, in the opinion of the stewards, and that no previous
precedent of penalties for this exists – on the one hand; and that it is a violation of the regulation
and has the potential for serious consequences – on the other hand.”

“The stewards further state that all teams and drivers should be aware that subsequent violations
may result in different sanctions from the stewards of those races.”

In the World Championship race, Verstappen had a 19-point lead over Hamilton when they arrived
at the Interlagos track.

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