Max Verstappen was summoned to visit the FIA stewards just minutes after posting the quickest time in qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday.
The Red Bull star clinched pole position ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in a rain-soaked session at Spa-Francorchamps, but the Dutchman already knew he would have his pole snatched away from him.
Verstappen must serve a 10-place grid penalty after fitting a new engine, taking him beyond the allotted amount for the season. But the 26-year-old could face more trouble after being called by the FIA to visit the stewards.
Verstappen raged on the radio at Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu after claiming the Chinese driver impeded him, sarcastically shouting: “Hello?!” before unleashing further expletives.
It comes less than a week after the 26-year-old was criticised for his conduct on the airwaves at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where the frustrated championship leader finished fifth.
This time, however, he was certainly not at fault, with Zhou’s car – No. 24 – also required to visit the FIA stewards.
Zhou appeared to have been on a hot lap himself with Verstappen in the quicker RB20 behind him, and Verstappen was left fuming at having his path blocked in the Q1 session.
An FIA official document read: “Alleged breach of Article 37.5 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations – Car 24 allegedly impeding Car 1 in turn 17 at 16:12.”
Verstappen will meet with the stewards at 6pm local time to discuss his version of the incident. It remains to be seen whether Zhou will be handed a penalty or served with a reprimand if he is found to have impeded the Red Bull star.
Verstappen will start from 11th on the grid after qualifying on pole for the third year in a row – only to have his pole snatched away due to the penalty.
It also means a Ferrari driver, this time Leclerc, will be promoted to the front of the grid. He is ahead of Sergio Perez, who equals his best starting position of the season and qualifies ahead of Verstappen for the first time in 2024.
Lewis Hamilton climbs to P3 in the Mercedes, with McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri behind him. George Russell will start ahead of Carlos Sainz in seventh position.