Max Verstappen under investigation for congratulating Lando Norris and George Russell under the VSC 

Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen is under investigation by FIA stewards for overtaking cars after taking the checkered flag under Virtual Safety Car (VSC) conditions. Verstappen was spotted passing Lando Norris and George Russell during the cool-down lap to congratulate them from his cockpit.

A late-race crash in the Azerbaijan GP, involving Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz for the final podium position, brought out the Virtual Safety Car. Drivers took the checkered flag under the VSC conditions, with Verstappen finishing the race fifth behind Russell and Norris.

During the cool-down lap, Verstappen closed the gap to his title rival and close friend Norris, waving from his cockpit. He then overtook Norris under VSC conditions to catch up to Russell, congratulating him for securing the final podium spot.

FIA released a statement indicating that the stewards have noted Verstappen's actions during the cool-down lap, as overtaking is not permitted under Safety Car or VSC conditions. The 26-year-old and a team representative have been summoned for further investigation. The statement released by the FIA read:

"Alleged breach of Article 12.2.1 h) of the International Sporting Code and/or Article 56.6 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations - Overtaking under Virtual Safety Car Conditions after the chequered flag."

Watch Verstappen overtake Norris and Russell in the below video:

The Dutchman had a significant gap to Fernando Alonso, but pitted under the VSC for soft tires, reducing the gap to 8.3 seconds at the checkered flag. In case he receives a five-second penalty, he will retain his position, but a 10-second penalty would drop him to sixth in the race classification.

Apart the Red Bull driver, Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly overtook cars under the VSC conditions after taking the checkered flag.

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Lando Norris gains on his title rival Max Verstappen

Starting 15th on the grid, Lando Norris gained 11 positions in the Azerbaijan GP, finishing ahead of his title rival Max Verstappen. He finished fourth and snatched the fastest lap in his third consecutive race to outscore Verstappen by three points this weekend.

Verstappen struggled with the RB20, as he was outpaced by his teammate Sergio Perez, who was in contention for a podium until he got involved in the late race wreck. Norris, on old hard tires, also had the measure on Verstappen and made a late race overtake to secure fourth position.

The points gap between Verstappen and Norris is now reduced to 59 points (prior to any penalty), while recent race winners Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc are also making ground on both drivers. Meanwhile, McLaren overtook Red Bull in the constructor's standings, boasting a 20-point advantage.