Ludo van Denderen is a motorsport journalist at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1 and international racing series.
Max Verstappen appears to have escaped without a penalty after his unusual move when exiting the pit lane in Singapore. The Dutchman crossed the white line at the pit exit ahead of the Grand Prix, but the stewards have not noted the incident.
Just before the start of the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen made a surprising decision. When leaving the pit lane, the Red Bull driver did not follow the usual route, instead steering his RB22 completely across the white line to practice Turn 1.
The move attracted attention because drivers must follow specific rules when exiting the pit lane. Crossing the white line can result in a penalty under certain circumstances.
Initially, it was unclear whether the stewards would investigate Verstappen’s move. For now, that does not appear to be happening. The incident has not been noted by the stewards, and no investigation has been announced. Moreover, an hour has now passed since the incident. As a result, Verstappen appears to have escaped without consequences.
Cars not wishing to perform a practice start during the reconnaissance laps are instructed to cross the white line separating the pit exit road from the track at the earliest opportunity and join the normal racing line. However, Verstappen turned out of the pit exit onto the track before the white line.
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Meanwhile, Max Verstappen is leading the Singapore Grand Prix after a thrilling start. Charles Leclerc is breathing down his neck, however.
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