Mercedes has lodged a protest with the stewards against Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen after the Dutch driver’s defending during the closing stages of the Japanese Grand Prix.
Verstappen found himself holding off the charging Lewis Hamilton late in the race at Suzuka and a defensive move at the chicane caused the Mercedes to go down the escape road.
The Red Bull eventually crossed the line behind race winner Nico Rosberg in second place, with Hamilton in third. The statement released by the FIA confirming the protest reads:
“A protest has been lodged by Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team against car 33 driven by Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing relating to an alleged breach of Article 27.5 of Formula One Sporting Regulations, in that he allegedly drove erratically and in a dangerous manner, forcing car 44 to take evasive action at Turn 16.
“The stewards are conducting a hearing. The results are still provisional.”
UPDATE
However, the stewards quickly released a new statement announcing the decision will be delayed until the United States Grand Prix, saying:
"At the commencement of the hearing the Stewards noted that neither driver was in attendance and hence was unable to give or refute any evidence.
"After hearing initial comments by representatives of Mercedes, the stewards decide that in order to ensure fairness and afford both drivers the opportunity to be heard, the matter should be deferred and in accordance with Article 11.9.2.s of the International Sporting Code, the stewards delegate their authority to the stewards of the 2016 United States Formula One Grand Prix. Both team representatives agreed to this."
