On to that Leclerc-Perez incident and a speedy five-second punishment applied to the Ferrari driver for cutting the chicane on the final lap and gaining an advantage, as determined by the race stewards.
The growing frustration amongst the drivers and team principals is the lack of consistency being applied at all levels within the FIA. Just a week previously, the stewards waited to speak to Perez for two breaches of failing to keep within ten lengths of the safety car, deciding to allow him to voice his version of events despite his infringements being clear and obvious. No such platform was afforded to Leclerc. Secondly, during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July, Perez gained a place on Leclerc when cutting Club corner yet the stewards deemed that to be racing.
Given what unfolded with Masi last year, the spotlight on the FIA this season has been blinding. Never has its decision-making processes, from the top down with president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, been scrutinised so heavily. These are turbulent times for the FIA which needs to find a way to steady itself at a time when the sport has never been so popular. At least the one constant throughout this campaign has been the brilliance of Verstappen. That, at least, cannot be questioned.
Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.