mobile app bar

Helmut Marko on Max Verstappen’s VSC Infringement: “It’s a Matter of Milliseconds”

Somin Bhattacharjee
Published

In the picture Head of Motorsport Dr Helmut Marko Oracle Red Bull Racing , Max Verstappen NLD , Oracle Red Bull Racing

Luck does not seem to be in Max Verstappen’s corner at the 2024 Sao Paolo GP. First, a wrongly timed Virtual Safety Car (VSC) ended his hopes of winning the Sprint. Then, he received a five-second time penalty for seemingly speeding during the VSC conditions. According to Helmut Marko, it wasn’t bad fate; it was Verstappen being careless.

After Verstappen had to report to the stewards, Christian Horner insisted that his driver had done nothing wrong. Marko, however, swopped in soon, to suggest the officials had, in fact, something concrete to penalize Verstappen for.

“It is about too early a start during the Virtual Safety Car. It’s a matter of milliseconds,” said Marko as per F1 Maximaal.

Soon enough, it was confirmed that Verstappen was overspeeding while the VSC was deployed. He got a penalty, which demoted him from P3 to P4, which in turn handed his Championship rival Lando Norris a three-point advantage (instead of two) over the Dutchman.

During a VSC, all drivers need to slow down, as did Verstappen. But, he had to keep his delta positive, which he apparently failed to do by a very small margin, according to Marko.

Not only did it result in a drop for Verstappen and dampen his efforts in the Sprint to overtake Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and get P3, but the Red Bull driver got another penalty point to his super-license. It’s now two confrontations in two weeks between Verstappen and the FIA.

Last weekend in Mexico City, Verstappen’s aggressive maneuvers against Norris, which forced him off track, earned him a 10-second time penalty. This was followed by an additional 10-second penalty for overtaking while being off the track. His shenanigans had also earned him two penalty points.

Post Edited By:Vidit Dhawan

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

x-iconinstagram-iconlinkedin-icon

Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

Share this article