Shanna is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog, specializing in both F1 and endurance and GT racing. With a Master’s degree in Journalism and experience at international circuits, she provides in-depth, reliable coverage and insights based on her presence at Grands Prix and racing events worldwide.
Max Verstappen has received a reprimand and one warning point for his collision with the #25 Audi during the first free practice session in Portimao. The stewards believe the Dutchman was at fault, but took the circumstances into account when determining the penalty. He will not receive a time penalty or grid penalty for the incident.
The incident occurred on the very first lap of the session. Verstappen took the opening stint in the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 and found himself in traffic almost immediately. At Turn 3, he hit the #25 Audi, causing it to spin. Both cars were able to continue and complete the session.
After the session, the stewards reviewed the footage and spoke with both drivers. Verstappen explained that he wanted to overtake and expected the Audi to stay on the outside of the corner. When the other driver turned in, it came as a surprise to him. The Audi driver, in turn, said he had been focused mainly on the cars ahead of him. As a result, he had not seen Verstappen on his right. He considered the contact an unfortunate racing incident.
Why Verstappen received a reprimand
The stewards did not agree with that. In their view, Verstappen could have avoided the collision and was entirely responsible for the contact. The fact that the Audi driver himself did not make a serious accusation did not change their assessment.
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The stewards’ decision on the collision between Max Verstappen and Audi driver Ezequiel Perez Companc during FP1 in Portugal - Source: GT World Challenge
However, there were mitigating circumstances. It happened on the first lap of a free practice session, and the line the Audi driver could take was affected by the queue of cars ahead. The stewards took this into account and limited the penalty to an official reprimand and one warning point.
In the championship, this type of point is called a Behaviour Warning Point, which is used to keep track of a driver's offences. Accumulating multiple points can lead to additional penalties, such as a grid penalty. It is therefore not a point deducted from Verstappen's score.
Verstappen Racing finishes practice in P20
Despite the contact, Verstappen was able to complete his programme. Later, teammates Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat took over the wheel. Mercedes-AMG Team Verstappen Racing eventually finished the first free practice session in twentieth place.
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The #84 Audi of Markus Winkelhock, Christopher Haase and Simon Reicher topped the timesheets. Verstappen and his teammates still have the second free practice session and qualifying on Friday, before the three-hour race takes place on Saturday.
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