FIA announce Max Verstappen investigation at Miami Grand Prix after clumsy error
stewards have confirmed that is under investigation following a dramatic and error-filled outing at the Miami Grand Prix
The reigning four-time world champion endured a chaotic race that could yet see his final result altered after officials opted to review a potential rules breach post-race.
Verstappen’s afternoon began to unravel almost immediately. Starting from second on the grid, the Red Bull driver initially launched well and challenged for the lead into Turn 1. However, a heavy lock-up forced him wide, and a snap of oversteer through Turn 2 sent his car spinning. Although he avoided terminal damage, the mistake dropped him down the order to ninth place.
In a bid to recover lost ground, Verstappen gambled on an early pit stop during a lap six safety car period. The strategy shuffled him down to 16th, but with fresher tyres, he carved his way back through the midfield in an aggressive and clinical recovery drive. A series of overtakes briefly lifted him into contention, and as rivals cycled through their own pit stops, Verstappen even inherited the race lead for a short spell.
However, the comeback has been overshadowed by a potential infringement on pit exit. Race officials noted that Verstappen may have crossed the white line while rejoining the track — a violation of race director instructions that typically results in a time penalty.
In an unusual move, the stewards chose not to rule on the incident during the race, instead placing it under post-race investigation. This leaves Verstappen’s finishing position provisional, pending the outcome of the review.
The decision ensures that the final classification at the Miami International Autodrome remains subject to change, with Verstappen expected to be summoned to the stewards after the race to explain the incident.