The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has decided to sanction Franco Colapinto with a formal warning following a controversial maneuver involving the three-time world champion Max Verstappen during the second free practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix. The incident occurred just eight minutes after the session began, when the Argentine driver was performing zigzag movements to warm up his tires in the area before the 130R corner, the fastest section of the Suzuka circuit. At that moment, Verstappen was at full speed and came across the Alpine car, which ruined his lap time and prompted an immediate complaint over the radio from the Red Bull cockpit. According to information from the Argentine News Agency, race stewards determined that the Alpine driver hindered the Dutchman's fast lap in the second practice run, although they opted for the lightest penalty in the regulations for the albiceleste representative. The race director summoned both drivers and a delegate from the French team to give statements at 4:30 PM (local time) to analyze a possible violation of Article B4.1.1 of the Sporting Regulations.
