Max Verstappen was demoted from the podium in Sunday’s United States Grand Prix, following Red Bull speedy was handed a five seconds penalty after the checkered flag for gaining an advantage on track to do so.
Race Stewards ruled he completed that late, late overtake with all four wheels off the track at Turns 16, 17, and 18
Verstappen started Sunday’s race only in 16th place due to 15-spot grid penalty for power unit changes. He made excellent start and coming on sixth within the opening laps, and was into the lead by Lap 21 of the race.
Raikkonen third and Verstappen fourth in the final stages of the race, the Dutchman got within DRS range on the final lap and made one final swing on Raikkonen for third at the carousel complex, turns 16, 17, and 18, but was deemed to have cut the track by sticking all his wheels and off course, as his incredible pass of Raikkonen for position was erased.
A five-second penalty was evaluated for leaving the track and gaining benefit. Verstappen thought he’d finished third but was removed in the FIA cooldown room after the fact, promoting Raikkonen back to the final podium position.
