Binotto seeking FIA clarification over Verstappen line

Mattia Binotto has said Ferrari are seeking clarification over Max Verstappen allegedly crossing the pit lane exit line during the Monaco Grand Prix.

Starting the race with a front-row lock out, Ferrari found themselves on the end of a horror result as their tactical decisions saw Charles Leclerc slip to fourth from pole while Carlos Sainz was beaten to the race win by Sergio Perez.

Having conceded more ground to Red Bull in both the Drivers and Constructors’ Championships, team principal Binotto highlighted an incident involving Max Verstappen during the race.

As the Red Bull driver exited the pit lane, his front left appeared to touch the exit line and Binotto said it was something that the team would be seeking clarity over from the FIA.

“I think it was not close, he was on the line,” he told Sky Sports F1. “If you look at the international sporting code, it’s the wording. It says crossing, but then we had a clarification in 30.20.20 to avoid any discussions. And if you look at the race driver note, it’s indicated staying to the right.

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“So being on the on the line is breaching the race director notes. And I think that each single team has the duty and the task to follow the race directors now so for us, that’s something unclear we are still seeking for clarification to the FIA, and we’re happy to have it as soon as possible.”

Verstappen was not investigated for the incident but had he been, and been found guilty, he would likely have received a penalty that would have seen Leclerc on the podium in the Dutchman’s place.

To Leclerc and Ferrari’s relief, it was not Verstappen who won the race but Binotto