Why Verstappen did not get a penalty for strange moment before Singapore Grand Prix
Photo: F1
Kieran is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs and feature content across the F1 calendar. An NQJ-qualified journalist with more than a decade of experience, he has previously written for publications including MailOnline, the Manchester Evening News and the Eastern Daily Press.
Max Verstappen avoided a penalty despite an unusual moment on his way to the grid before the Singapore Grand Prix.
Just before the start of the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen, when leaving the pit lane, 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.
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 over the kerb before the white line.
Why did Verstappen not get a penalty?
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The FIA confirmed to GPblog that the white line forms part of the painted run-off area beside the kerb that Verstappen used. According to the governing body, the Red Bull driver therefore did exactly what the regulations required.
Verstappen is currently on his way to his second consecutive victory after pulling away from the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. That is despite nearly losing the lead to the Monegasque driver at the start of the race.
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