Max Verstappen has received a five-second time penalty and a penalty point, following an incident during the Brazilian Grand Prix sprint race. The reigning world champion was investigated by the stewards after the sprint race for a potential virtual safety car infringement. Verstappen found himself multiple car lengths behind Oscar Piastri when a VSC was required for Nico Hulkenberg's stricken Haas to be recovered. Seconds before the VSC period ended, the Red Bull driver suddenly caught Piastri and pulled alongside. Realising he caught the McLaren driver too quickly, Verstappen did then fall a couple car lengths behind just as green flag conditions resumed. However, he was found by the FIA to be above the minimum delta time when the VSC ended. Based on the stewards' decision, Verstappen has dropped from third to fourth in the results, reducing his title advantage over Lando Norris to 44 points.
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