Max Verstappen has escaped a grid penalty from Formula 1 stewards after being handed only a reprimand for his near-miss with Lando Norris in Japanese Grand Prix qualifying.
Norris and Verstappen were both on an out-lap and preparing for their first runs in Q3 when the former approached the Red Bull driver at 130R.
Verstappen had backed off to make space for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in front when Norris arrived on the scene, but lit up his rears and had to catch his RB18 when trying to generate tyre temperature.
This forced Norris to take to the grass off-track to avoid a collision, which the Briton expected to result in a penalty for a “clear” block.
But after investigating the incident, the FIA stewards found Verstappen had not breached Article 33.4 that states you cannot drive erratically and handed him his first reprimand of the year.
Verstappen told the stewards said he was aware Norris was behind him and that a lack of tyre temperature caused the car to snap, while Norris accepted it was an “unfortunate decision”.
“Regarding penalty, all previous breaches of this nature have resulted in a reprimand hence a similar penalty is imposed in this case,” the FIA’s bulletin reads.
It means Verstappen will start Sunday’s race at Suzuka from his fifth pole of the 2022 season, where if he wins with a bonus point for fastest lap he will seal his second world championship.
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