Max Verstappen admits he was “surprised” to be facing a stewards’ investigation after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Three-time F1 champion Verstappen was one of four drivers asked to defend an overtaking order under virtual safety car conditions after the flag was raised at the Baku Street Circuit.

The others were Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg and Alpine duo Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.

The VSC was called in after a heavy collision into the wall between Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez on the penultimate lap.

The incident involving Verstappen, Hulkenberg, Ocon and Gasly occurred after the chequered flag had fallen, while the VSC was still in place.

Responding to the issue before meeting the stewards, Verstappen told Sky Sports F1: “I didn’t overtake the virtual safety car [in-car footage shows he did].

“I crossed the finish line. The race is over. There are so many examples in the past, and this year as well, where we all did exactly the same thing, so for me, I was a little surprised.”