Imola European F3: Verstappen's team boss says suspended ban is unfair

The new Toro Rosso Formula 1 driver was handed down the penalty in the wake of a collision with Roy Nissany as they disputed 11th place in the late stages of the opening race at Imola.

Verstappen had damage to both rear pushrods and the right-rear trackrod on his Van Amersfoort Racing Dallara-Volkswagen from hitting the kerbs at the Tamburello chicane while battling with Jake Dennis.

He had also been pushed by Ferrari protege Antonio Fuoco at Rivazza in a move that earned the Italian a drive-through penalty and cost Verstappen more places.

The collision with Nissany forced both cars out of the race, Verstappen with a deranged left-front wheel.

Frits van Amersfoort, whose team has run Verstappen in his sensational rookie season of cars, said: "I think it's quite harsh on Max.

"I understand that everybody is looking at Max and he has been involved in some incidents this year, but a lot were not his account.

"I rate Francis [Murac, the series' chief steward], but I think Fuoco should have got a 10-place grid penalty for his move on Max."

Van Amersfoort also stressed that he hopes the paddock's atmosphere can stay good in the wake of the incidents - this is the second time in three race weekends that Verstappen has collided with Prema driver Fuoco.

"I would like the teams to stay friendly," he said. "Just stay cool, everybody."