Verstappen cleared of FP2 red flag infringement

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Red Bull's Max Verstappen has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Dutch Grand Prix stewards following their investigation into an alleged red flag breach in Friday's FP2.

It was suspected that the Red Bull driver had overtaken Aston Martin's Lance Stroll while red flags were being brandished following Lewis Hamilton's stoppage on the track for an engine issue.

But after hearing from Verstappen and Red Bull team manager Jonathan Wheatley, and after a close study of onboard footage and the relevant data, it was concluded that the Dutchman had did everything possible to slow after being informed of the red flag deployment.

Read also: Verstappen says Red Bull pace 'not representative'

The stewards report stated the following:

"It is our conclusion that the driver of car 33 took every reasonable action to comply with the regulations in that he immediately reduced speed in a safe manner at the earliest opportunity upon the first indication of the red flag, even before a red flag or red light panel was visible to him, and that this satisfies the requirements of the Code."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.