Suzuka Tension Boils Over as Verstappen Hauled Before Stewards Twice in Chaotic Practice Drama
Max Verstappen endured a turbulent day at the Japanese Grand Prix after being summoned to the stewards for the second time following another alarming on-track incident during practice.
The reigning world champion’s frustrations began in FP1 at the legendary Suzuka International Circuit, where he encountered fierce rival Lewis Hamilton at the high-speed 130R corner. The Ferrari driver was placed under investigation for allegedly driving unnecessarily slowly and erratically, potentially putting other drivers at risk. Verstappen, approaching at speed, was left with little room for error in one of the fastest sections of the track, immediately sparking concern among officials.
While that moment already added tension to the session, the drama escalated further in FP2—once again involving Verstappen, but this time with Franco Colapinto.
Around 20 minutes into the second session, Colapinto was seen weaving along the straight approaching 130R. As Verstappen rapidly closed in from behind, the Red Bull driver was forced into a sudden braking maneuver to avoid a collision. The near-miss was immediately flagged, with stewards launching another investigation—this time into Colapinto’s driving.
The Argentine driver was cited for erratic behavior, raising fresh questions about driver awareness during busy practice sessions. Sky Sports F1 analyst Karun Chandhok strongly criticized the incident, suggesting Colapinto appeared unaware of Verstappen’s presence. He described the situation as “unacceptable,” stressing that failing to check mirrors at such speeds is a serious lapse in judgment.
For Verstappen, the repeated interruptions only compounded an already difficult outing. The Dutchman, known for his sharp focus and aggressive precision, was clearly hindered by the incidents, losing valuable track time and momentum ahead of qualifying.
The back-to-back investigations have once again highlighted the challenges of traffic management in Formula 1 practice sessions, particularly at high-speed circuits like Suzuka. With drivers running different programs and speeds, the risk of dangerous encounters remains ever-present.
As officials review the latest incident, all eyes will be on whether Colapinto faces penalties. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s chaotic Friday has added an extra layer of intensity to the race weekend, with tensions rising and scrutiny tightening as the competition heads toward qualifying.