Max Verstappen is under investigation for a possible virtual safety car breach during the sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The championship leader had tried to minimize the damage in his battle with Lando Norris, who had been allowed to lead by his teammate Oscar Piastri. Despite finishing third, Verstappen's result meant he only lost two points to Norris.

However, his third place is now under threat following the deployment of a VSC on the 24th lap of the sprint. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner told Sky Sports F1 afterward that he didn’t see anything wrong with Verstappen’s behavior under the VSC.

In addition to the investigation, Verstappen is already set to serve a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race after taking a new engine component earlier this weekend. Despite currently holding a 45-point lead in the championship, Verstappen needs to defend his title from McLaren and Ferrari.

Verstappen had qualified fourth for the sprint and overtook Charles Leclerc to finish behind the two McLarens, who swapped positions.

The precise reason Verstappen may have breached regulations remains unclear. Still, the VSC rules specify the following:

• Rule 55.15: “In order to avoid the likelihood of accidents before the safety car returns to the pits, from the point at which the lights on the car are turned out, drivers must proceed at a pace which involves no erratic acceleration or braking, nor any maneuver which is likely to endanger other drivers or impede the restart.”

The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Verstappen’s title battle.