Red Bull Formula One driver Max Verstappen has to complete two days of 'public service' after his physical post-race confrontation with Force India rival Esteban Ocon in Brazil.
The incident took place in the FIA garage, minutes after the chequered flag at the Brazil Grand Prix, as an enraged Verstappen confronted Ocon at the weighing station.
The two had collided on Lap 44 of Monday's race (NZT), when Ocon tangled with the Dutchmen, who was in complete control and heading for back-to-back race wins.
The contact caused Verstappen to spin, costing him the race lead and any chance of victory, with Lewis Hamilton inheriting an advantage he never gave up.
Both drivers unleashed verbally on each other in post-race interviews, before they were the called to the stewards to explain the incident in the garage.
Ultimately, the powers-that-be decided Verstappen was at fault for 'pushing or hitting Ocon forcefully several times in the chest'.
"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," read the official stewards' verdict.
"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 21-year-old will need to perform the public service within the next six months at the behest of the FIA.
Newshub.
