Max Verstappen will face a stewards investigation at the Miami Grand Prix after crossing the pit exit line during a safety car period, adding to a difficult Sunday for the Red Bull driver.
The four-time world champion pitted for fresh tyres when the safety car was deployed following Isack Hadjar’s crash and a collision between Liam Lawson and Pierre Gasly. In doing so, Verstappen crossed the line at the pit exit — typically a straightforward infringement under FIA regulations.
Opening Lap Spin Compounds Verstappen’s Troubles
Verstappen’s race had already unravelled on the opening lap when he spun whilst fighting for the lead, dropping him down the order. The pit stop under the safety car offered a strategic opportunity to recover lost ground with fresh rubber, but the pit exit line violation now threatens a penalty.
The infraction is unusual in that FIA officials at the Miami International Autodrome have opted to investigate the incident post-race rather than issue an immediate penalty. Stewards will examine the matter further with additional information collected following the conclusion of the 57-lap race.
Lawson-Gasly Incident Also Under Review
The safety car that prompted Verstappen’s pit stop was triggered by two separate incidents. Hadjar’s crash brought out the initial yellow flags, while the Lawson-Gasly collision — which will also be investigated after the race — compounded the disruption.
Only a handful of drivers elected to pit during the safety car period, with Verstappen among those gambling on fresh tyres to salvage a race that had already gone sideways. The pit exit line violation now leaves him waiting on the stewards’ decision.
The FIA typically views crossing the pit exit line as a clear-cut breach, with penalties ranging from time additions to grid drops for future races. The post-race investigation format suggests stewards are gathering full context before issuing a ruling, which could arrive later on Sunday evening at the Miami International Autodrome.