Mercedes denies that they initiated investigation into Verstappen

Max Verstappen had to go through the stewards on Saturday morning before qualifying to clarify why he had overtaken Lance Stroll in free practice when a red flag was displayed. The Red Bull Racing driver was cleared, but which team ensured an investigation was launched?

Aston Martin asked the FIA to look into the situation, but some are convinced that engine supplier Mercedes is behind this. It is of course in the German formation's interest that Max Verstappen would receive a grid penalty.

Stewards give Max no penalty

Mercedes denies this suggestion very firmly against Auto, Motor und Sport. "Aston Martin has made the start with it", Toto Wolff said. So in the end Verstappen didn't get a penalty, as he approached Stroll's car with a speed difference of 110 km/h. Steward Garry Connelly: "He had less than a second to react to the red flag".

Verstappen conquered the pole position by Lewis Hamilton with 38 thousandths of a second. Valtteri Bottas and Pierre Gasly will try to win the Dutch Grand Prix from the second row of the grid.