Max Verstappen avoids Canadian GP ban after latest investigation

Max Verstappen has avoided a penalty for a coming together with Charles Leclerc at a safety car restart at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Verstappen was sitting on the cusp of a race ban prior to the stewards' verdict following his clash with George Russell in the final laps of the Barcelona round.

The Dutchman picked up three penalty points for the contact with the Mercedes driver, meaning just one more point before June 30 would result in a race ban.

Red Bull faced a nervous wait as Verstappen was investigated for minor contact with Leclerc on the start/finish straight as they tussled for the final spot on the podium when the race got back underway following a safety car period. 

However, the stewards have opted to take no further action.

“Car 1 lost traction while navigating Turn 14 and therefore had to defend his position on track against Car 16,” read a statement. 

“Car 16 proceeded to move to overtake Car 1 on the start finish straight. Both cars were moving slightly towards each other in the middle of the track and a minor collision occurred as a result. 

“Both drivers were of the view that this was an avoidable collision and could potentially have resulted in a major crash but neither driver was wholly or predominantly to blame. 

“In the circumstances, we took no further action.”

Verstappen classified in 10th place in Barcelona after his 10-second time penalty for the Russell contact was applied.