Verstappen given public service order by FIA

Max Verstappen has been ordered to complete two days of public service by the FIA for pushing Esteban Ocon.

Tempers flared in the weighing room at the Brazilian Grand Prix after Verstappen confronted Ocon for ruining his race at the Interlagos circuit by pushing him several times.

The altercation occurred after Ocon collided with Verstappen when trying to unlap himself on turn two, which prompted the Dutchman to spin out and see Lewis Hamilton sail past him for a fortunate race victory in Brazil.

WATCH: Ocon and Verstappen crash in Brazil

Verstappen, with a damaged floor, still tried his best to close down Hamilton but had to settle for P2 on the podium.

After the confrontation with Ocon, Verstappen was investigated under article 12.1.1.c) of the FIA International Sporting Code which prohibits ‘acts prejudicial to the interests of any competition or to the interests of motor sport generally.’

Des images qu'on aime pas voir en F1. #F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/TTtzvd8SWx

— Maxime. (@MaximeB123) November 11, 2018

The FIA then released the following verdict:

‘The driver, Max Verstappen entered the FIA Weigh Bridge Garage, proceeded directly to driver Esteban Ocon and following a few words, started an altercation, pushing or hitting Ocon forcefully several times in the chest.

The stewards held a hearing, in which both drivers acted appropriately and cooperated with the Stewards.

‘The Stewards understood from Max Verstappen that he was extremely upset by the incident on track during the race and accepted his explanation that it was not his original intent to strike Ocon, but that he was “triggered” and caused him to lose his temper.

While sympathetic to Verstappen’s passion, the Stewards determined that it is the obligation of sportsmen at this level to act appropriately and as role models to other drivers at all levels and found that Verstappen failed in this respect.

‘The Stewards therefore ordered that Max Verstappen is required to perform two (2) days of public service at the direction of the FIA within six months of the incident. (Penalty under Art. 12.3.1.c of the FIA International Sporting Code.)’

Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon were spotted shaking hands after visiting the stewards’ room.

Max and Esteban shake hands as they return from the stewards #brazilgp #skyf1 #formulaone pic.twitter.com/piGhhh7hpr

— Rachel Brookes (@RachelBrookesTV) November 11, 2018

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