“Gotta protect the golden boy”- Fans accuse F1 of bias for ignoring Max Verstappen’s alleged track limit violation in Qatar GP SQ3
Max Verstappen was outpaced by the McLarens during SQ3.
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Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (Via IMAGO)
The sprint shootout in Qatar has ended with Oscar Piastri taking pole from Max Verstappen. Verstappen went on a flying lap at the beginning of SQ3, but due to track limit violations, that time got deleted. While he managed to salvage a P3 in the dying embers, it is alleged that he had once again gone off track, but the FIA did not consider it.
Due to issues with the Pirelli tires, the FIA had revised track limits on Turn 12 and Turn 13. The drivers were given a ten-minute ‘Familiarization Session’ to understand the track before the shootout better. However, many lap times were deleted across the shootout as the drivers struggled with the layout.
Even for Verstappen, things did not go smoothly. With their strategy in the mud after his initial deletion, the Dutchman was desperate to get a decent position on the grid. In his last lap, Verstappen pushed his car to the max, landing behind the two McLarens. Fans across various social media platforms have accused him of infringement in Sector Two and accused FIA of showing bias.
In case you missed it: “Max losing out pole to a rookie! He is washed”- Fans react as Oscar Piastri edges out Max Verstappen and Lando Norris for a maiden sprint pole at the Qatar GP
Fans accuse the FIA of favoring Max Verstappen for his alleged second track limit violation
Fans on social media are claiming that the FIA is favoring Verstappen. People have posted pictures of Verstappen’s car at that moment, claiming it is clear that he once again violated track limits. His first lap took him to the pole position, but after it was deleted, he made it to P3 in the final lap. Since he did not receive any penalty for his second alleged infringement, fans accused FIA of open bias. One user posted on X, “So the FIA just gonna ignore this again because it’s Max Verstappen?”
One user claimed Verstappen is the only driver to whom track limit rules don’t apply. One user asked how the race stewards missed the incident when even the commentators mentioned it. Another fan posted a photo of that moment and claimed that is clearly visible that Verstappen did not stay within the specified limits.
The Dutchman will start the sprint at P3, hoping to emerge as World Champion. While P3 may not be his best result from a qualifying, Verstappen is still in a decent position to take the title home today.
Discover more:
- Lewis Hamilton recants backing Andretti’s F1 entry, highlights the need for diverse drivers and team owners
- Christian Horner says it is a ‘shame’ that Sergio Perez had a Q2 exit at Qatar GP while Max Verstappen won the pole position
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Soham Jain
(222 Articles Published)