Other than a war of words, following today's clash during the Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon were involved in a physical altercation after the race as they waited to be weighed by FIA officials.

Having reviewed video evidence from the FIA's CCTV Cameras and heard from Verstappen and Ocon, the stewards ruled that the Red Bull driver entered the FIA Weigh Bridge Garage, proceeded directly to 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 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 this 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 have therefore ordered that Verstappen is required to perform two days of public service at the direction of the FIA within six months of the incident.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by English Tony, 12/11/2018 15:38

"If Max wants to get physical with his fellow competitors he should take up cage fighting"

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2. Posted by Toffeecup0, 12/11/2018 15:02

"Verstappen is young and still a lot to learn but should not have shoved or hit ocon bad sportsmanship ok yes he was very angry at what had happened and lost the lead to Hamilton just have to wait till next year"

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3. Posted by Pavlo, 12/11/2018 13:48

"klmn: firstly I don't agree with your definition of a "true racer". I strongly disagree that Kimi Raikkonen, Alex Zanardi or Juan-Manuel Fanghio are not true racers. Secondly what makes you think that Ocon didn't have another opinion and better boxing skills? Would be funny to see a "true" Verstappen with a blue eye on the podium."

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4. Posted by klmn, 12/11/2018 13:24

"Max should not pushed Ocon but should have hit him in the face like our hero's 30 year ago . Remember how Piquet hit Salazar on the head when he was taken out in Germany or Senna hit Irvine in Susuka when Irvine wanted to unlap and hindered Senna only.
Those were the days of the true racers . We wanted no wimps."

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5. Posted by Pavlo, 12/11/2018 9:58

"Max himself is "an idiot" and deserves a middle finger.
He made multiple mistakes himself in the past, but other drivers were always forgiving. So he can just look at the mirror and repeat that again. He is just too selfish to realize that. Pity, fast driver, but absolutely unbearable person."

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6. Posted by Hondaunearthed, 12/11/2018 8:55

"Wish Ocon just knocked him out cold, teach the lttle prick for trying to be a big dog. Better yet Dan Ric is a UFC fan so probably knows a thing or 2 so would rather see him tap him out."

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7. Posted by nonickname, 12/11/2018 7:07

"Suddenly I am a Verstappen fan. He looks more like Senna every race.
He must just learn when and where to push... After all motor sport really is a contact sport."

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8. Posted by bfairey, 12/11/2018 6:30

"Sorry guys F1 is going down the tubes fast.Whiting and the other guys are crazy. F1 is not fun any more."

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9. Posted by RDFox, 12/11/2018 3:37

"Two days community service for a bit of pushing and shoving that had no possibility of causing any actual harm?

And people wonder why F1 doesn't have actual personalities amongst the drivers any more..."

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10. Posted by mickl, 12/11/2018 0:37

"Just to confirm what all the PC gone mad bemoaners are saying. Going to someone with what looks like the intent to pick a fight is ok is it? I’m just asking that question to confirm that’s what you’re all saying?"

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11. Posted by HudMike, 12/11/2018 0:22

"I think it is nonsense that Verstappen got 2 days community service - political correctness gone mad in my opinion. Ocon got off lightly for what was an entirely stupid and futile move - he should be the one doing community service! I am not a Verstappen fan particularly but do empathise with his frustration."

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12. Posted by Tom2681, 11/11/2018 23:39

"2 days community service for a light shove from someone who has every reason to be mad as hell? Jeez, what should the FIA do about the pink madman who assaulted him on the track, then?"

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13. Posted by mickl, 11/11/2018 22:41

"Just in reference on another post regarding Ocon's time penalty punishment. What was Max doing on the weigh bridge? He would have been weighed in the cooling down room near the podium with Kimi and Lewis. He didn't need to be there at all so it could be seen as him going the looking for a confrontation and possible a fight."

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14. Posted by mickl, 11/11/2018 22:28

"If after they'd spun and they recovered and got away roughly the same time, would Max have been so 'calm'? If his temper got 'triggered' an hour after the incident. What would have happened if it was immediately after the incident and he was side by side with Ocon?"

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15. Posted by alfsboy, 11/11/2018 22:13

"I saw this on another site and thought it was a spoof .I had to check the date to make sure April hadnt come round quicker than usual.Still its a great way of sorting out errant kids like druggies,thieves and...... F1 drivers."

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Verstappen ordered to perform public service following Ocon clash

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