Max Verstappen has been hit with a three-place grid penalty for the Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom in two weeks' time. Verstappen was found to be more at fault for the collision between himself and Lewis Hamilton on Lap 26 of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza , with both drivers eliminated from the race after the Red Bull ended up propped on top of the Mercedes in the gravel trap at Turn 2. Verstappen and Hamilton were summoned before the stewards and, following lengthy deliberations, the panel have ruled that Verstappen wasn't entitled to racing room at Turn 2. "In the opinion of the Stewards, this manoeuvre was attempted too late for the driver of Car 33 [Verstappen] to have 'the right to racing room'," read a statement from the stewards at Monza. "While Car 44 [Hamilton] could have steered further from the kerb to avoid the incident, the Stewards determined that his position was reasonable and therefore find that Verstappen was predominantly to blame for the incident. "In coming to the penalty, the Stewards emphasise that they have only considered the incident itself and not the consequences thereof. " On top of Verstappen being required to take a three-place grid drop for the Russian Grand Prix, he has been given two penalty points for the clash. These are the only two points on his Super Licence.
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