Breaking: FIA Announces Penalty for Max Verstappen at Imola Following…read more
FIA Announces Penalty for Verstappen at Imola Following Jeddah Incident with Piastri
In a dramatic turn of events ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the FIA has announced a five-second time penalty for Max Verstappen stemming from a controversial incident with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.
The penalty follows an official protest lodged by McLaren, which argued that Verstappen forced Piastri off track at Turn 1 after both drivers went wheel-to-wheel at the start. Although Verstappen retained the lead after running wide and rejoining the circuit ahead of the McLaren, race stewards found that the Red Bull driver failed to provide sufficient racing room and did not make a genuine effort to remain within the track limits.
Following a comprehensive review of video evidence, onboard footage, telemetry, and GPS data, the FIA determined Verstappen’s move breached the updated Driving Standards Guidelines. The stewards concluded that Piastri had “significant overlap” at the apex and was entitled to space.
Red Bull Racing expressed frustration with the ruling. Team Principal Christian Horner argued that Verstappen was ahead at the point of contact, presenting onboard footage in defense. However, the FIA countered that Verstappen’s maneuver did not represent a legitimate attempt to stay on track.
“We respect the FIA’s authority but seek greater consistency in how such situations are judged,” said Horner. “It’s vital that drivers know what to expect when they engage in close racing.”
In contrast, McLaren applauded the decision. Team Principal Andrea Stella emphasized the importance of consistent officiating and fair play. “This is about applying the rulebook equally. We’ve held ourselves accountable in the past, and it’s important that the same standards apply to everyone,” Stella remarked, referencing a previous incident involving Lando Norris.
The decision has direct implications for the championship standings, trimming Verstappen’s lead over Piastri to 44 points and injecting new momentum into the title race as the season transitions into its European leg.
With controversy brewing and tensions high, the spotlight is firmly on Imola, where teams and fans alike will be watching closely—not just for on-track battles, but for how race control continues to enforce the rules.
