Max Verstappen keeps P5 despite penalty at Miami Grand Prix

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 02: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 2, 2026 in Miami, United States. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Max Verstappen took the checkered flag in fifth place at Sunday’s Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, for the best Grand Prix finish of his 2026 season to date.

But he needed to wait a little longer for confirmation of that result.

Verstappen was one of several drivers summoned to meet with race officials following a chaotic Miami Grand Prix, which saw Kimi Antonelli secure his third consecutive Grand Prix victory. Red Bull brought a series of upgrades to the track for Verstappen and teammate Isack Hadjar, which helped the four-time Drivers’ Champion secure P2 in qualifying for Sunday’s main event.

But after a frenetic start, Verstappen pitted early under a Safety Car, but race officials noted a potential incident with his stop as replays showed the driver crossing the white line separating the pit exit and the track when he rejoined the fight.

Following the race, and a meeting with the stewards, Verstappen was given a five-second penalty.

“When the incident occurred, there was limited video evidence to make a clear decision on whether an infringement had occurred,” read the stewards’ report, which you can read here at Document 99.

“We therefore decided to investigate the incident after the race, to see if we could get better video evidence of the incident in the meantime, perhaps from other angles. We were able to do so.

“The new angles did show more views of the pit exit line and the incident in question.