Breaking:Verstappen Slams FIA Over Saudi GP Penalty, Faces Possible Ban Amid Ongoing…read more 

Verstappen Slams FIA Over Saudi GP Penalty, Faces Possible Ban Amid Ongoing…read more 

Max Verstappen expressed frustration following a controversial five-second penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which he believes may have cost him the win. The Red Bull driver, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, was penalized for gaining an unfair advantage by leaving the track during a battle with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri on the opening lap.

Verstappen chose not to speak in detail about the incident or his dissatisfaction, citing fears of potential repercussions from F1’s governing body, the FIA. “You can’t share your opinion because it’s not appreciated, or people can’t handle the full truth,” he said. “Honestly, it’s better if I don’t say too much.”

His comments reflect growing concern among drivers over recent changes in FIA regulations that restrict public criticism and even swearing. These new rules, introduced under FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, allow the organization to penalize drivers for any remarks deemed damaging to the sport’s image or the FIA’s reputation. Sanctions could include suspensions and points deductions.

The rule changes follow several incidents last season in which drivers were reprimanded for using profanity during interviews. Verstappen himself was ordered to perform community service after swearing at the Singapore Grand Prix, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fined for a similar offense in Las Vegas.

During the post-race press conference in Jeddah, Verstappen expressed how the tightened rules have made it difficult to speak freely. “I cannot swear in here, but you also can’t be critical in any form that might ‘harm’ or ‘danger’… There’s a lot of lines, you know?” he said sarcastically. “It’s better not to talk about it—you can put yourself in trouble.”

Verstappen went on to say that his reduced media presence this season is intentional, a response to the way public comments are often misinterpreted or taken out of context, especially on social media. “Sometimes your words can be twisted or people interpret it differently. It’s better not to say too much,” he said.

The penalty Verstappen received in Jeddah was for cutting a chicane on the first lap while battling Piastri, and maintaining the lead as a result. The stewards determined that Verstappen had left the track and gained a lasting advantage. While such an infraction typically earns a 10-second penalty, they opted for a five-second penalty due to the first-lap context.

McLaren’s Piastri had placed his car fully alongside Verstappen’s on the inside of the corner, giving him the right to space, according to F1’s driving standards guidelines. These rules state that a car attempting to pass on the inside must have its front axle at least alongside the other car’s mirror at the apex, take a reasonable racing line, and remain within the track limits.

Piastri met all these criteria and said he felt the penalty decision was fair. “I knew I had enough of my car alongside to take the corner. We both braked very late, but I stayed on the track and that’s how it should have been dealt with,” he said.

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella echoed that sentiment, describing it as a “clear case.” He noted that Piastri was slightly ahead, positioned inside the corner, and did everything within the track limits, giving him the right to the corner. “In that situation, you can’t overtake off track,” Stella said.

Verstappen had initially led the race, pulling slightly ahead before his pit stop where he served the penalty. Piastri, who had already stopped, then took over the lead and maintained it until the end. His victory was his third in five races this season.

Though Verstappen remained a threat throughout the race, Piastri was able to manage the gap and withstand the pressure, including making a decisive move around the outside of Lewis Hamilton earlier in the race to avoid time loss.