FIA provide strange reason behind Verstappen 'violation'

The FIA have explained why Max Verstappen was investigated after the sprint qualifying session in Miami.

Red Bull and Verstappen were found to be in breach of the regulations but only a reprimand was issued the way of the team.

Verstappen was summoned for allegedly exceeding the maximum delta time between the two safety car lines.

While multiple other drivers were cleared of a similar alleged infringement due to efforts made not to impede rival competitors, Verstappen was called to explain himself to the stewards.

The FIA has explained that a programming error from Red Bull led to Verstappen going slower than permitted and warned a similar action in the future could result in a harsher punishment.

“Car 1 was around 6 seconds above the required minimum time between Safety Car Lines 1 and 2 for one lap in SQ2, but complied with the requirement in all other laps,” read a statement from the stewards.

“Telemetry showed that the driver was driving with a constant speed throughout the lap without any other cars around as if he was managing the delta at approx. 6 seconds off the relevant number.

“During the hearing the team stated that due to a false programming in the car the delta time displayed in the car had an offset of 6 seconds and whilst the driver was managing the delta displayed he was constantly approx. 6 seconds above the minimum time.

“The team identified the problem by the end of the first cool-down lap and immediately instructed the driver to manage his speed in a way that he would be min. 6 seconds below the delta time displayed in the car, which he did in all following laps.

“This was confirmed by the telemetry. The Stewards acknowledge that, whilst there has been a breach of the regulations, VER did not drive 'unnecessarily slowly' based on the information he had in the car and did not impede any other cars or create any dangerous situation and therefore determine that a penalty for the driver is not warranted.

“However, a Reprimand to the team is issued as they are responsible for ensuring that correct timing information is displayed in the car. 

”It is worth noting that in different circumstances a more severe penalty might be applied for a similar infringement.”