F1 fans are angry after an unheard radio message from Lando Norris emerges during the investigation into Max Verstappen

An investigation has been launched by the race director against Max Verstappen because of his conduct at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Lando Norris’ reaction has now become known.

Red Bull’s problems continued in Baku after Sergio Perez’s chances of a podium finish were ruined by a late crash in dramatic circumstances.

The Mexican, the most successful driver on the street circuit in Azerbaijan, attempted to overtake Charles Leclerc but collided with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, causing both drivers to finish the race on the wall.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri won the race, while Lando Norris put in a spectacular performance to finish fourth after starting the race from P15, one place ahead of Max Verstappen.

Things could get even worse for Red Bull and Verstappen, as the reigning champion is under investigation by race control for a possible violation of the virtual safety car rule.

It is alleged that the Dutchman overtook cars after the end of the race during the virtual safety car phase.

Onboard footage from Verstappen’s car shows the Red Bull driver driving alongside Norris and waving his hand before passing George Russell and giving the Mercedes driver a thumbs up.

Now Norris’ radio message has surfaced when Verstappen overtook him.

He said: “Max is overtaking everyone. It’s still a VSC (virtual safety car), right? So? I don’t know if it matters or not, but it’s still a VSC.”

F1 fans reacted angrily to the news and cannot believe that Norris reacted so quickly to his behavior when it seemed as if Verstappen wanted to congratulate his friend.

One fan said: “Max needs to understand that Lando is not his friend off the track. Lando would stab him in the back at the first opportunity.”

Another said: “So unnecessary to say anything. Honestly, kind of embarrassing.”

A third added: “My colleague congratulated him on his race and got this in response.”

A fourth said: “I don’t even understand why Max is so nice to Lando after all the things he says and does bro he doesn’t deserve it.”

A fifth fan commented: “And he claims to be his best friend? I don’t know man, usually best friends don’t rat each other out.”

However, some fans claim that Norris was simply doing what any title contender would do in the same situation, regardless of his friendship with Verstappen.

They said, “Just as Max would have done if it had been the other way around, and rightly so.”

Another fan said, “Lando did exactly what he was supposed to do in a title fight.”

A third concluded: “The championship is in danger. If it were the other way around, Max would do the same.”

Verstappen has a 59-point lead over the Briton and defended himself against accusations that he broke the rules after the chequered flag was waved.

He told Sky Sports: “To be honest, I didn’t drive under the virtual safety car, we crossed the finish line, the race was over.

“There are many examples from the past and also this year where we all did exactly the same thing. So I’m a little surprised.”