Max Verstappen and three other F1 drivers have been warned following a stewards' investigation following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Three-time F1 champion Verstappen was one of a quartet of drivers who answered a charge of overtaking under virtual safety car conditions after the chequered flag at the Baku Street Circuit. Haas' Nico Hulkenberg and Alpine pair Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly were the others.
The virtual safety car had been brought into action following a crash involving Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez of Red Bull out of Turn 2 on the penultimate lap of the 51-lap race.
Before seeing the stewards, Verstappen claimed to Sky Sports F1 that the incident was after the race had finished, and had occurred on numerous occasions in the past. He concluded that he was "a bit surprised" the stewards had opted to investigate.
Following their hearings with all four drivers, the stewards concluded in identically worded statements that "The driver overtook other cars after the chequered flag, but while a VSC was still being displayed following the crash at Turn 2.
"The driver was reminded that while passing after the chequered flag is not unusual, it is prohibited in the case of yellows, safety car or virtual safety car procedures.
"While the drivers were aware of where the incident was, they could not have known if emergency equipment or marshals were being dispatched onto the track, and so have to proceed with caution.
"The stewards are aware that this happened earlier this season and was not noticed at the time.
"We are therefore warning the driver concerned, along with all other competitors. Further breaches may incur significant penalties."
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