Max Verstappen did not hide his anger at Pierre Gasly during the sprint qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix, an incident that could cost Alpine dearly.
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During SQ2 at the Shanghai circuit, Max Verstappen was on a flying lap when Pierre Gasly, driving his Alpine, was moving slowly at the exit of the final corner.
The Dutchman had to perform a spectacular evasive maneuver, which sent him wide and across the gravel before finishing his lap, leaving Gasly to pass behind.
This frustrating encounter immediately triggered Verstappen’s protests via the radio: “That Alpine is on the racing line at the exit of the last corner, it’s ridiculous !”
A stewards’ investigation confirmed
The race stewards quickly announced the opening of a post-session investigation to determine if Gasly had significantly impeded Verstappen. The Frenchman, who had also reached SQ3, risks a three-place grid penalty for the sprint if his responsibility is confirmed.
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This is a crucial moment, as Verstappen had barely secured his place in SQ3 by finishing ninth, just ahead of his teammate Isack Hadjar. A penalty for Gasly could therefore significantly change the starting lineup for the sprint race.
Tensions in the top 10
This incident highlights the growing frustration of drivers regarding speed differentials and crowded lines during these sprint qualifying sessions, where every thousandth counts. Verstappen, already unhappy about having to manage his Red Bull’s energy, saw his hopes for a good start compromised by Gasly’s Alpine.
The stewards’ verdict is expected in the coming hours and could influence the course of Saturday’s sprint, as every place on the grid is strategic in this weekend at the demanding Shanghai track.
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