Breaking news:F1 champion Verstappen rages at ‘IDIOT’ stewards after huge FIA penalty….read more
F1 champion Verstappen rages at ‘IDIOT’ stewards after huge FIA penalty….read more
Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time Formula 1 world champion, sparked controversy at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a furious outburst directed at the race stewards after receiving a hefty penalty. The incident occurred during the opening lap of the race at Yas Marina, when Verstappen attempted to overtake McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at the first corner. The attempt led to a collision between the two drivers, which ultimately resulted in Verstappen being handed a 10-second time penalty by the race stewards.
Verstappen, however, was quick to defend his actions and placed the blame elsewhere. Over the team radio, he vented his frustration, calling the stewards “stupid idiots” and suggesting that they should have issued a penalty of 20 seconds instead. His remarks, which were broadcast live, drew significant attention and criticism from various quarters, including commentators and fans alike.
Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle was one of the first to speak out against Verstappen’s comments, arguing that they were both unfair and unjustified. Brundle defended the stewards’ decision, pointing out that they were simply following the rules of the sport, which dictate that drivers should avoid making contact with others on the track. “You can’t say that. Can’t say that. That’s just not fair,” Brundle said during his commentary. “They’re applying the regulations, don’t run into other people and then you won’t get a penalty.”
Despite Verstappen’s complaints, the penalty remained in place, and the Dutchman served it during his pit stop. However, even after the penalty was applied, Verstappen managed to maintain his position ahead of Piastri, who had suffered a second collision later in the race with Franco Colapinto. This left Piastri further down the order, unable to recover his earlier losses.
The incident in Abu Dhabi is not the first time Verstappen has clashed with the stewards in 2024. Earlier in the season, he found himself at odds with the race officials at the Mexican Grand Prix, where he received two consecutive 10-second penalties. The first penalty came for leaving the track and gaining an unfair advantage, while the second was handed out after Verstappen ran rival Lando Norris wide. These decisions further fueled Verstappen’s frustration with the stewards, as he criticized what he perceived as inconsistent or overly harsh judgment.
Verstappen’s relationship with the FIA and race stewards has been a point of tension throughout the 2024 season. Known for his aggressive driving style and competitive nature, the Red Bull driver has often found himself at the center of controversial decisions, with critics accusing him of pushing the limits of fair racing. While Verstappen’s talent and achievements on the track are undisputed, his fiery temperament has sometimes led to clashes with the sport’s governing bodies, especially when decisions don’t go in his favor.
The penalty in Abu Dhabi, however, seemed to be a turning point in Verstappen’s frustration with the stewards. His public outburst was a clear reflection of how much he values his own interpretation of racing and feels that some of the penalties imposed on him throughout the season have been unwarranted. Despite his criticisms, Verstappen’s ability to remain competitive and finish at the front of the grid has not been diminished, even when faced with penalties.
At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen’s focus remained on maintaining his position in the race despite the setback, with the penalty not costing him any major positions. The race saw Verstappen ultimately finish ahead of Piastri, who had more significant issues to contend with, including his own crash with Colapinto. Despite his outward frustration, Verstappen’s on-track performance continues to speak for itself, and his dominance in the sport remains unquestioned.
As the season progresses, Verstappen’s tensions with the stewards may continue to be a point of contention, especially as he battles to maintain his position as the world champion. His outbursts suggest that, while he may be one of the most successful drivers in F1 history, his relationship with the rules and regulations of the sport will remain a source of controversy for the foreseeable future. Whether Verstappen’s ongoing criticisms of the stewards will have any long-term impact on his reputation or his performance remains to be seen. However, his continued dominance on the track ensures that, for now, he remains the one to beat in Formula 1.
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