Max Verstappen was summoned to the stewards after Qualifying for the Mexican Grand Prix, along with George Russell and Fernando Alonso. All three were called for impeding which resulted in tight traffic in the pit lane. None of these drivers were punished with a grid drop and escaped sanctions.

This incident occurred due to a new rule introduced after the 2023 Italian Grand Prix. It mandates drivers to adhere to specific lap times when not on their fast laps. This rule aims to reduce traffic issues during qualifying sessions. The FIA cleared Verstappen and others because they believe a pitlane pile-up, although unconventional, is safer than on-track collisions between cars with different strategies.

In a similar pitlane incident during the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying, Max Verstappen was also cleared. Stewards argued that current rules don’t account for unique pitlane traffic situations. In a post-qualifying press conference in Mexico, Max Verstappen expressed his view, stating that the system has flaws right now. He stressed the need for a more flexible approach, considering the pitlane’s safety.

Everyone is trying to make a gap now in the pitlane, which is the only place where we can do so. So, I don't understand how you can be impeding someone. 

Max Verstappen as reported by autosport.com

Verstappen said that it’s hard to find a good compromise as the drivers either have to risk starting a lap just three to four seconds behind the car in front, or risk impeding in the final sectors. Verstappen mentioned that it’s hard to judge the gap behind it, especially when all the drivers are running different strategies. After being absolved of the incident, Max Verstappen is starting third for the Grand Prix, behind the two Ferraris.

Former F1 Champ Jenson Button slams Max Verstappen for Qualifying incident

2009 World Champion Jenson Button has disapproved of Max Verstappen and George Russell’s actions of going exceedingly slow in the pit lane during Qualifying for the Mexican Grand Prix. Verstappen and Russell were noted but acquitted of impeding during the session. Jenson Button remarked that there should be a rule in place to prevent drivers from going slower than the speed limit in the fast lane of the pitlane.

They need to say: 'you cannot stop in the pit lane, you cannot go slower than the speed limit. It's mad that you are able to do that and stop everyone behind you. If you stop, you should pull to the right-hand side, you shouldn't be in the fast lane.

Jenson Button as reported by sportskeeda.com

Button emphasized the need for such a rule while speaking to Sky Sports F1. Button currently competes part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series with support from Stewart-Haas Racing after retiring from Formula 1 before the 2018 season.

In case you missed:

• Fernando Alonso candidly admits he isn’t ‘doing a good job’ in Aston Martin
• Helmut Marko brands Daniel Ricciardo ‘a good recommendation’ for Red Bull after he out-qualified Sergio Perez at Mexico

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