Max Verstappen indicated that part of the reason he couldn`t elaborate on his unhappiness with a significant penalty during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was that some individuals might not be able to “handle the full truth.”
The reigning world champion, who started from pole position in Jeddah, received a penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage during an initial corner incident involving Oscar Piastri, who went on to win the race.
Piastri`s McLaren had a superior start from second place on the grid and moved alongside Verstappen on the inside line. At this point, Verstappen chose not to back down, instead utilizing the run-off area to maintain his leading position.
Red Bull and Verstappen decided not to immediately return the position to Piastri. Consequently, the stewards imposed a five-second penalty, which allowed the Australian driver to take the lead when Verstappen served the penalty during his pit stop.
Verstappen expressed his clear dissatisfaction with the decision but stated he couldn`t provide further details due to concerns about potential repercussions from the sport`s governing body, the FIA.
“The issue is I cannot share my view on it because I risk getting penalized,” Verstappen commented. “So, it`s better to avoid discussing it.”
“I believe it`s best not to speak about it. Whatever I might say or try to say about it could potentially lead me into trouble.”
When asked if he felt inhibited by having to refrain from speaking his mind, Verstappen added: “I think that`s just the nature of the world we inhabit now. You`re not truly able to express your full opinion because it`s seemingly not appreciated, or people can`t handle the complete reality.”
“For me, it`s preferable not to have to say too much; it also conserves my time, as we already have so much to attend to.”
“Honestly, that`s simply how things are developing. Everyone is incredibly sensitive about everything. And currently, given the situation, we can`t be critical anyway. So, that`s fine, less conversation is even better for me.”
Different rules this year?
In a post-race interview, Verstappen was questioned about the difference between the Saudi incident and a similar one with Lando Norris at the previous year`s United States Grand Prix, where Norris was penalized for the same infringement.
Verstappen implied that changes to the Drivers` Standards Guidelines for the current season meant the two incidents were not comparable.
He stated: “We`ve discussed it extensively, and last year`s and this year`s rules are distinct, so that`s not the issue either.”
“But frankly, this isn`t really my concern.”
When pressed for clarification, he added: “Let`s review the documentation. It`s all recorded.”
In their official written judgment on the matter, the stewards explained that since Piastri, as the attempting overtaking car, had pulled ahead of Verstappen, the guidelines indicated that Piastri had the right to the corner.
The ruling read: “The stewards examined positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing, telemetry, and in-car video evidence and concluded that Car 81 (Piastri) had its front axle at least level with the mirror of Car 1 (Verstappen) before and at the apex of Turn 1 when attempting to overtake Car 1 on the inside. In fact, Car 81 was alongside Car 1 at the apex.”
“Based on the Driver`s Standards Guidelines, it was therefore Car 81`s corner, and he was entitled to adequate space.”
“Car 1 then left the track and gained a lasting advantage that was not relinquished. He remained ahead of Car 81 and attempted to capitalize on the advantage.”
Horner: Perhaps rules need a re-look
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was more willing to discuss why he felt the decision was unfair. He reportedly presented telemetry data after the race to support his point.
He commented: “I thought it was quite harsh. We didn`t give the position back because we didn`t believe we had committed any wrongdoing. You can clearly see at the corner`s apex that we think Max is clearly ahead.”
“I don`t understand how the stewards reached that conclusion. Both entered the corner at similar speeds. Oscar ran deep into the turn; Max couldn`t just vanish at that moment.”
“Perhaps these regulations need reconsideration. I don`t know what happened to `let them race` on the first lap. That seems to have been abandoned.”
Horner added that the stewards` apparent certainty about their decision meant it was “highly improbable” that Red Bull would challenge the ruling.
He also explained that the choice to risk a penalty instead of surrendering the position was influenced by the perceived threat from Mercedes` George Russell in third place.
“If we had yielded, we would have been in the turbulent air and then vulnerable to George,” Horner stated. “So, the best course of action was, at that point, once the penalty was given, to focus and keep pushing.”
Piastri: It unfolded how it should have been dealt with
Piastri, who took the world championship lead for the first time by securing his third victory of the season, was equally confident that the decision in his favour was correct.
“I had an excellent start and got alongside,” the Australian remarked. “From that point, I had to brake quite late, but I knew enough of my car was alongside to claim the corner.”
“We both braked extremely late, obviously, but I think, for me, I braked as late as possible while remaining on the track. I believe the way it unfolded is exactly how it should have been handled.”
McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown stated that Verstappen “definitely” deserved a penalty for opting not to give up the corner and position.
Brown told Sky Sports F1: “I absolutely felt a penalty was warranted. Oscar was clearly on the inside, got a better start, and you know, you must use the track.”
“Whether it`s a five-second penalty or giving the position back, I think either could be argued. I thought it was definitely appropriate. It was Oscar`s corner, and at some point, you have to concede.”
Brundle: Piastri had the corner
Commentating live on the incident, Martin Brundle of Sky Sports F1 was firm in his belief that Verstappen deserved a penalty and stood by his assessment after the race.
Brundle said: “Oscar entered the first corner, reached the first apex – and I have reviewed the rules for 2025 – and he had that corner.”
“But if your competitor is willing to come off the brakes – and if you observe, there`s not a great deal of steering lock applied – Max didn`t genuinely attempt to go around the outside.”
“He had lost that corner, and he should have rejoined behind.”
“I think the team should have instantly returned the place. I believe it was evident he would receive a penalty for that, and perhaps then they might have had a chance to win the race.”
