WATCH: Max Verstappen dodges heart-stopping collision with Oscar Piastri in Italian GP Pit Lane

During the high-stakes qualifying session of the Italian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen experienced a hair-raising moment as he narrowly avoided a major accident involving Oscar Piastri. The incident occurred in the final segment of Q1, a crucial time when drivers are pushing to secure their positions for the next qualifying phase.

As Verstappen exited his garage, he was met with a sudden and alarming challenge. Piastri, driving for McLaren, was also emerging from his pit, leading to a dangerous convergence in the pit lane. The pit lane, already congested with cars vying for optimal track time, became the scene of a near catastrophe.

Here is the video:

💥 Así ha sido el unsafe-release de Oscar Piastri.



Max Verstappen ha tenido que frenar.



Se investigará y habrá sanción seguro...pic.twitter.com/72oHISTAa1

— ElReyGuiri (@ElReyGuiri) August 31, 2024

Max Verstappen, who was already on the move, had to react swiftly to prevent a collision. The Dutchman was forced to brake and swerve sharply to his left, narrowly avoiding the McLaren. His immediate reaction over the radio was one of shock and frustration: "F***, we almost crashed!" This outburst highlighted the gravity of the situation, as the proximity of the two cars could have resulted in a severe crash.

FIA is set to investigate the matter!

The incident has prompted an investigation by Formula 1 stewards. The new regulations this season prohibit cars from crossing the pit lane line if it could disrupt or endanger another vehicle. In this case, Piastri’s release from the garage appeared to have been inadequately managed. Footage from the session revealed that a McLaren mechanic signalled Piastri to accelerate without checking the pit lane for oncoming traffic.

While the immediate danger was averted and Verstappen was able to continue to Q2 without further issue, the ramifications of the incident could still be felt. The stewards are expected to impose a penalty, though it is likely to be a fine for McLaren rather than a grid penalty for Oscar Piastri, according to the guidelines for unsafe releases during qualifying.

Despite the scare, Verstappen’s focus remained intact. He not only avoided the crash but also completed his final flying lap in Q1 without any additional concerns, as his team reassured him that he was safe from elimination in that session.