Max Verstappen ended the Australian Grand Prix being the ultimate victorious, but he could not save himself from the controversies that surrounded him since the beginning of his golden era. After the weekend, fans on social media started accusing Max of breaking the grid box rule in the race during the second restart after the red flag. Despite that, he was not given the penalty. Why? Well, not only Max but also Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon have been a victim of such accusations lately, for which they were penalized. Speaking of the Red Bull driver’s case, let’s know if he even did something wrong? Or if it is just an allegation.
What Happened With Max’s Grid Box In Australia?
After yesterday’s race, Red Bull ace Max Verstappen has been alleged by some fans on social media that he was not in the right place inside his grid box. It is the same crime that made Alonso almost lose his third podium in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. It was quite controversial as F1 cars do not provide a clear vision out of the window, and the cockpits are not highlighted much. In order to fix this issue, FIA tried making the boxes bigger. Now the lines are supposed to come under the vision of the drivers.
However, if Max was not inside his box, he deserved at least a 5 seconds penalty. But nothing happened to him. Why? Fans are asking.
First of all, fans are being informed that Max Verstappen was not outside the cockpit. His front wheels were still in contact with the lines looking closely. Even being on the edge of the lines can be considered legal. The Article 8.6.1.a of the International Sporting code suggests that a standing start must be stationary inside its grid box with no front tyres being outside the lines at the time of the signal start. Max would’ve been eligible for the penalty only if he crossed the lines, which he did not. Therefore no penalty for Max Verstappen was announced.
“Being On Limits Do Not Mean Over The Limits” Max Verstappen Explains What Happened With The Grid Box
Meanwhile, it is interesting to know what the driver himself says about those allegations. At first, just like all those putting allegations against him, Max too thought he braked a bit late. He lost his reference. However, when he rechecked, he found that there was still a little space available. He moved further ahead from where he should be, but “it was on the limit.”
And for the haters who still demand a penalty for Max Verstappen, he gives a very good reply, “On the limit means on the limit. It is not over the limit.” So, with the help of the inch contact, Max Verstappen’s restart of the Australian Grand Prix was legal.
Besides, Max Verstappen has already clarified one thing after the Fernando Alonso case in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. He declared that he is not someone who thinks of making benefits by crossing the lines of the grid box. No driver can take any advantage by committing so. In conclusion, despite these controversies, the Australian grand Prix went great for Max, it was his first win at the place, and he was thrilled about it.
