Verstappen escapes sanction for FP2 practice start infringement

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Max Verstappen has escaped the wrath of the Belgian Grand Prix stewards following a breach of F1's practice start procedure at the end of FP2.

The Red Bull driver was summoned to the stewards' office at Spa late on Friday evening and handed a mere warning for cutting into a line of cars set to conduct a practice start at the end of yesterday's second free practice.

The stewards heard from Verstappen and reviewed video evidence, but ultimately only gave the Dutchman a slap on the wrist despite the reigning world champion's breach of Article 12.2.1.i) of the FIA International Sporting Code.

Read also: Verstappen and Red Bull taking 'strategic' approach at Spa

"At 17:59 during second practice, the driver of car 1 passed a car that was in line to do practice starts and cut into the line to do a practice start, thereby not leaving in the order he arrived," stated the stewards' report.

"This is a breach of the Race Director's Event Notes and the stewards issue a warning."

While the breach was inconsequential, Verstappen is nevertheless set to start his Belgian Grand Prix from the back of the grid on Sunday due to a raft of power unit-related grid penalties.

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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.