The FIA has acknowledged that Max Verstappen should have received a black and white warning flag during the controversial incident with Lando Norris at the Austrian Grand Prix.
On June 30th, during the race at the Red Bull Ring, Verstappen and Norris collided at Turn 3 on lap 64 while fighting for the lead. The stewards ruled that Verstappen’s move in the braking zone led to the collision. Verstappen was penalized with a 10-second time penalty and two penalty points, ultimately finishing fifth, while Norris had to retire due to punctures.
Questions arose about Verstappen’s conduct earlier in the battle when he again moved during braking—a maneuver criticized by McLaren boss Andrea Stella, who had previously disapproved of Verstappen’s aggressive driving against Lewis Hamilton in 2021.
At the British GP, both Verstappen and Norris claimed the incident was behind them, and it was discussed during the team managers’ meeting. RacingNews365 reports that FIA race director Niels Wittich admitted that the black and white warning flag should have been displayed for Verstappen’s initial move under braking.
The black and white flag is a caution to drivers that further violations could lead to penalties. This flag was previously shown to Charles Leclerc during the 2019 Italian Grand Prix when he forced Lewis Hamilton off track under braking for the second chicane. Leclerc received the flag as a warning but avoided further penalties.
