Max Verstappen was baffled by the FIA’s decision to deploy a virtual safety car instead of a full safety car when Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz collided on the penultimate lap in Baku.

The race ended under VSC conditions, despite the fact that there was significant debris strewn across the Baku tarmac on the exit of Turn Two.

“Straight away a safety car [should have been sent out],” he said. “Yeah, I don't get it. I mean, there are two cars flat out in the wall.

“I don't understand why it needs to take so long. Double yellow, why? 'Just put a safety car. There's nothing going to happen.

“The track is completely blocked with dirt everywhere, damage. Why a virtual safety? Just put a safety car out.”