Verstappen moves aside as Stroll approaches, then claims practice-start spot

During the practice-start drills at the end of first practice in Brazil, Max Verstappen had to move aside as Lance Stroll entered the same right-hand gap at speed. After Stroll slowed, Verstappen passed him on the left and claimed the spot.

Verstappen was heading towards the straight at reduced speed and had begun steering right when Stroll approached from behind. The space narrowed as Verstappen turned in, and Stroll then went to the left side of the grid to look for a position.

Over team radio, Verstappen asked, “What is that Aston doing there?” He said Stroll was trying to pass him. RacingNews365 reported that the incident had been noted by the stewards for reckless driving by Stroll, but was not investigated further.