Max Verstappen investigated by FIA stewards ahead of Azerbaijan GP

Max Verstappen’s car has been investigated by FIA stewards ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Officials revealed they had looked at the Red Bull after the Australian Grand Prix as part of a random check.

The FIA made the admission on Wednesday afternoon just days ahead of round four in Baku. The investigation looked into the Dutchman’s suspension components, dampers and sensor systems.

However, the FIA has reassured the checks were part of an ordinary assessment with Verstappen passing the exam. It means the reigning champion is not at risk of being hit with any penalties ahead of the race weekend.

The FIA report read: “After the race of the Australian GP, car number 01 was randomly chosen among the top ten cars for more extensive physical inspections.

“Subject to these physical inspections were the front and rear sprung suspension components, the front and rear inboard suspension components, all front and rear dampers as well as all attached sensors logging suspension travel (including their signal against suspension travel).

“All inspected components were found to be in conformance with the 2023 Formula One Technical Regulations.” Stewards select one car which finished inside the top 10 for a more physical inspection per event.

Pierre Gasly’s machine was analysed by officials after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, George Russell’s car was studied as part of the same checks after the opening race in Bahrain.

Both drivers were also found to meet FIA regulations and faced no subsequent penalties as a result of the checks. Red Bull have dominated the 2023 season so far with the squad securing wins at all three races.

Verstappen has picked up two wins and enjoys a comfortable 15-point lead over team-mate Sergio Perez.

The reigning champion has a staggering 24-point advantage over the nearest non-Red Bull driver, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.

However, despite their confident start, team boss Christian Horner has refused to get carried away at this stage.

Speaking to Red Bull’s ‘Talking Bull’ podcast, Horner warned challenges could still come around to derail the team’s title charge.

He said: “Reliability is always something that is never too far away, particularly with these cars.

“We had some issues at the first race we had to manage. We had a driveshaft issue with Max in Saudi. Checo had a couple of issues in the build-up to qualifying in Australia.

“There’s always little things that can disrupt your flow. There’s so many things with these cars that are so complex that can go wrong, or the weather, or someone crashing and a red flag.”

Verstappen has picked up two wins and enjoys a comfortable 15-point lead over team-mate Sergio Perez. The reigning champion has a staggering 24-point advantage over the nearest non-Red Bull driver, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.

However, despite their confident start, team boss Christian Horner has refused to get carried away at this stage. Speaking to Red Bull’s ‘Talking Bull’ podcast, Horner warned challenges could still come around to derail the team’s title charge.

He said: “Reliability is always something that is never too far away, particularly with these cars. We had some issues at the first race we had to manage. We had a driveshaft issue with Max in Saudi. Checo had a couple of issues in the build-up to qualifying in Australia.

“There’s always little things that can disrupt your flow. There’s so many things with these cars that are so complex that can go wrong, or the weather, or someone crashing and a red flag.”