Verstappen preserves Austrian GP victory after FIA investigation

After more than an hour and a half of careful study by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the verdict was rendered: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) keeps his victory at the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix. The Dutchman was not sanctioned for his muscular overtaking of Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) in the final of the event this Sunday, June 30. 

The official press release indicates the reason for this decision. “Car No. 33 (Max Verstappen) wanted to overtake car number 16 (Charles Leclerc) on lap 69 while later braking in turn 3. The #33 car was next to the #16 car entering the corner and (the driver) was in full control of the car when the pass was attempted at the interior of car no. 16.

However, the #33 car and the #16 car wanted to negotiate the corner side-by-side, but there was not enough room for the two cars. Shortly after the rope pass, at the exit of the corner, contact occurred between the two cars. In light of the circumstances, we did not consider that either driver was to blame for this incident. We consider this to be a racing incident. »

As a reminder, the ex-driver designated to join the jury of commissioners in Austria was none other than the record holder for victories in 24 Hours of Le Mans (Sarthe), Tom Kristensen. 

Find in issue 2223 of AUTOhebdo, on sale Monday evening in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands, the analysis of the Austrian GP by our special correspondents.