Max Verstappen under investigation by the race control for a potential safety car infringement at the Sao Paulo GP

The FIA noted Max Verstappen's movement during the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint on Saturday and called for an immediate investigation. Verstappen was right behind the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri when the FIA called the Virtual Safety Car.

Saturday's Sprint at Interlagos saw Norris take the win after Piastri fell back and handed over the lead to his teammate. Verstappen came home in P3, wrapping up the top 3.

The Virtual Safety Car was introduced after Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg stopped his car by the side of the track in Lap 20. Footage showed smoke coming out of the VF-24 during the race.

In Lap 23 of the Sprint, the FIA deployed the Virtual Safety Car that limited the speed of all cars. Under the VSC window, no one is allowed to overtake. However, Verstappen tried to go around the outside of Piastri as soon as the VSC ended.

The FIA later released a note saying they are opening up an investigation on the Red Bull driver's movement during the VSC. The outcome of the investigation is yet to be released.

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished the race in P4 and P5 respectively, ahead of Mercedes' George Russell. Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez wrapped up the point-scoring positions by coming home in P7 and P8.

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Lando Norris trimmed his Championship gap with Max Verstappen

Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren and Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing talk in parc ferme during F1 Grand Prix of Brazil - Sprint & Qualifying - Source: Getty

Following the Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint victory, Lando Norris trimmed his Championship gap from 47 points to 45 points. The Brit claimed eight points on Saturday, compared to Verstappen's six.

Norris started the race from P2, ahead of his championship rival Verstappen. However, thanks to a team order by McLaren, Piastri let him pass with two laps to go and helped him claim one extra point as every point counts in the championship.

Norris currently has 323 points after 20 races and five Sprints, whereas Max Verstappen amassed 368 points in the same number of races. Charles Leclerc is in P3 with 296 points.

McLaren continues to keep their lead in the Constructors' championship ahead of Ferrari and Red Bull. Thanks to a brilliant 1-2 at Interlagos, they further extended their points to 581 compared to Ferrari's 546 and Red Bull's 519.