Stewards finally issue verdict over Verstappen's practice start summons

Max Verstappen has avoided another penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix after being called up by the stewards for a practice start rule breach. Verstappen was summoned to the stewards at 19:15 local time on Friday following the incident being noted at the end of the second practice session. After hearing from Verstappen, a Red Bull team representative and reviewing video evidence, and a lengthy delay in issuing their decision, the stewards confirmed a breach of Article 12.2.1.i) of the FIA International Sporting Code.

Verstappen escapes with a warning

However, rather than handing out a penalty, the stewards opted to give Verstappen a warning. "At 17:59 during second practice, the driver of car 1 passed a car that was in line to do practice starts and cut into the line to do a practice start, thereby not leaving in the order he arrived," read the stewards' report. "This is a breach of the Race Director's Event Notes and the stewards issue a warning." Verstappen is already due to start towards the back of the grid at Spa-Francorchamps due to power unit and gearbox changes.