Norris knew Verstappen broke VSC rules in Baku because he did the same in Melbourne

Lando Norris was quick to draw attention to his championship rival Max Verstappen’s rules infringement after the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free Verstappen wasn’t the only driver to pass other cars at the time. Further back, Nico Hulkenberg and both Alpine drivers did the same.

The quartet were investigated by the stewards and handed official warnings. In their decisions the stewards noted “this has happened earlier this season and was not noticed at the time.” One of the drivers who committed the infringement earlier in the season was Norris himself, at the Australian Grand Prix.

The race ended under Virtual Safety Car conditions after George Russell crashed heavily at turn six. The VSC remained in place as drivers returned to the pits, but after passing the crash scene Norris overtook Alexander Albon as he approached turn nine and Carlos Sainz Jnr as he approached turn 11. Other drivers ahead of him did the same.

Kevin Magnussen passed both Ferrari drivers while Charles Leclerc overtook his race-winning team mate. However with their decision in Baku the stewards have signalled a clamp-down on drivers overtaking when VSC conditions remain in place after the end of races. “We are therefore warning the driver concerned, along with all other competitors,” the stewards concluded last weekend.

“Further breaches may incur significant penalties.” Norris, Verstappen and the rest may have avoided penalties on these occasions but can expect not to be so fortunate in the future. Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free Get a daily email with all our latest stories - and nothing else.

No marketing, no ads. Sign up here:.