Max Verstappen always polarizes opinion among Formula 1 fans but many of them are in agreement that he was too forceful in practice at the Dutch Grand Prix.
The home hero has received a warning from the FIA for breaking one of the strictest rules in the pit lane.
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The third practice session which took place on Saturday was impacted heavily by both rain and a huge crash for Williams driver Logan Sargeant, which meant that by the time the debris had been cleared, there was very little time to get a flying lap in and gather some vital data.
In order to make sure he could get some time out on track, Verstappen started overtaking people in the pit lane exit and he crossed over the white line onto the track, which is against the rules for very important safety reasons.
F1 journalist Chris Medland confirmed the news that Verstappen had been handed a warning by the FIA, saying: “Verstappen picks up a warning from race control for crossing the white line at the pit exit.”
He added: “Keen to get going, he overtook Piastri on the inside of the pit exit and then Russell on the outside but crossed the line to do so.”
The official rules state: “There will be a green light and a red light (or similar signs) at the pit lane exit. Cars may only leave the pit lane when the green light is on (or sign is displayed).”
Fans react to Verstappen warning
Fans were not impressed by Verstappen‘s conduct at Zandvoort.
One fan said: “The rules don’t apply to Max Verstappen. Give him a grid penalty, he does this all the time,” while another wrote: “Am I missing something here? Like is he allowed to do that?”
A third commented: “Genuine question. Regardless of him overtaking in a dangerous manner. He’s crossed the white line after the pit exit, how is that not a slam dunk penalty??”
A fourth wrote: “That’s a three-place grid penalty if it were Hamilton,” and a fifth added: “It shouldn’t be allowed.”