After the Brazilian Grand Prix in which Max Verstappen was denied the victory after a back-marker, Esteban Ocon, attempted a highly controversial, high stakes move to try and unlap himself after being two laps down from the race leader. Verstappen, obviously fuming confronted Ocon after the race finish sparking a divide of opinions on how it was conducted.
Ocon, who was on fresher tyres than Verstappen, took the inside line in an attempt to unlap himself in an extraordinary move. However, this move led to both drivers facing the wrong way, ultimately allowing the newly crowned five-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton to take the lead and finishing on the top step of the podium.
Unsurprisingly, the incident that cost Verstappen the race win led to his emotions boiling over in the FIA weighing room, where he came face to face with his rival, Esteban Ocon. An exchange of words occurred between the two drivers before Verstappen forcefully and repeatedly shoved Esteban. After this encounter occurred the FIA put their foot down and reprimanded Max Verstappen with two days of community service for the FIA which must be carried out within six months.
Whilst some believe this to be unfair, Formula 1 is a major platform watched by millions where these twenty drivers are idolised by many. Therefore, if these violent acts weren't reprimanded then the FIA and Formula 1 would be setting a precedent.
On the other hand, both drivers have major history that goes back many formulas and therefore the tension had to boil over at some point. But racing is racing and what happened was highly controversial and did effect some more than others. Yet it should never lead to an act of violence.
After the two drivers appeared in front of the FIA to plead their cases, the two were seen making up and even extending a handshake to one another.
This rare occurrence of a back marker crashing into the race leader hasn't happened since 2001 where ironically, Jos Verstappen crashed in to Juan Pablo Montoya in the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Esteban Ocon was wrong on track and was therefore awarded with a 10 second penalty, yet Max Verstappen was wrong off track and was also awarded 2 day community service for the FIA. But two wrongs don't make a right...
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