Get up to speed with the rules and regulations of Formula 1 and the brake test controversy and penalty in the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021
The inaugural Saudi Arabian grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. 5 virtual safety car periods, 2 safety car periods, and 2 red flags which slowed down the racing on the fastest street circuit. Meanwhile, 5 drivers were unable to finish the race after horrific crashes on the circuit.
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Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021: Lewis Hamilton Accuses Max Verstappen Of Brake Test Checking

On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were competing tirelessly in order to extend their grip on the Championship. Both the drivers exchanged places many times in the race owing to many disruptions on the circuit. However, on lap 38, Max Verstappen was advised to give the place back to Lewis owing to the earlier mistake of the Dutchman.
Verstappen slowed down in the middle of the track which was suspected as brake testing allowing Lewis to get past him. Lewis unaware of the message and banged into the back of the Red Bull damaging the front wing of the Mercedes. Meanwhile, Verstappen scooted ahead after the hit and had to eventually give up the place in the latter stages of the race.
Lewis felt that the Dutchman purposely slowed down in the middle of the track as a part of the cheap Red Bull tactics. However, he was handed over a 10 second time penalty and had to give back the position to Lewis. Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas overtook Ocon in the final lap just before the finish line clinching the final podium place from the Frenchman.

Explained F1 Rules and Regulations: What Is Brake Test Checking And Its Penalty

Brake Testing falls under the FIA Sporting Regulations, Article 27.4 which states that- “At no time may a car be driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically or in a manner which could be deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers or any other person.”
If found guilty, the driver will have to endure points on his license followed by heavy repercussions in the next race. Brake Testing is considered reckless in Formula 1 and stewards do not tolerate cars slowing down on the track without any reason. Therefore, the Dutchman is lucky to be still in the Championship fight alongside Lewis Hamilton with him only given two penalty points and a 10 second penalty which saw him remain in second place.
Meanwhile, both the drivers are level on points heading to Abu Dhabi where whoever finishes on the top will win the Championship. We are back to square one and it will be interesting to see what happens in the final race of the season.
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