FIA Clarifies Late Virtual Safety Car Incident Impacting Verstappen at Mexico City Grand Prix
The FIA has provided insights into the late Virtual Safety Car (VSC) period that hindered Max Verstappen’s bid for second place during the thrilling Mexico City Grand Prix. As the race reached its climax, Verstappen was closing the gap to Charles Leclerc when the yellow flags were waved on the penultimate lap, disrupting what promised to be a spectacular finish.
The race was neutralized after Carlos Sainz’s Williams car stalled in the dramatic stadium section of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez due to a mechanical issue. Although Sainz attempted to position his car safely, race control decided to intervene to ensure safety on the track.
This late intervention was disappointing for Verstappen and his fans alike. Sky Sports commentator David Croft expressed frustration, stating that viewers were "robbed" of an exciting conclusion to an already action-packed race.
In a statement to Express Sport, an FIA spokesperson outlined the safety concerns that necessitated the race control’s decision. "On lap 70, Carlos Sainz spun out and stopped in an exposed area at turn 14," the spokesperson explained. "His car began smoking, which raised immediate fire alerts, making it clear that marshals needed to step in for recovery. As is standard procedure in such situations, the race was neutralized."
The spokesperson added, "A Virtual Safety Car was deployed until the car was safely moved behind the barriers. The VSC concluded as soon as the vehicle was in a protected position, allowing the race to finish under green-flag conditions."
Despite the VSC ending before the final lap, giving Verstappen a brief opportunity to surprise Leclerc, the Ferrari driver managed to maintain his position, resulting in Verstappen finishing third. This outcome cost him three crucial points in his quest for the drivers’ championship title.
However, Verstappen remained philosophical about the situation, remarking, "You win some, you lose some. Sometimes the safety car works in your favor, and sometimes it doesn’t."
On the flip side, Leclerc was understandably pleased with the timing of the VSC, stating, "I was quite happy about it! My tires were completely gone, and I could see Max was closing in on the softer tires, so it was tough. The safety car definitely saved me at the end."
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