Breaking: Schumacher reveals what Verstappen SHOULD have done after…..read more
Schumacher reveals what Verstappen SHOULD have done after…..read more
Former Formula 1 driver and current Sky Germany pundit, Ralf Schumacher, has voiced his opinion on the recent controversy surrounding Max Verstappen and the penalty he received during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. According to Schumacher, the reigning world champion could have handled the situation differently, and he pointed out what Verstappen should have done in the aftermath of the stewards’ decision.
Max Verstappen, who has dominated Formula 1 in recent years, is facing a comparatively slower start to the 2025 season. After the completion of the first triple-header of the year, he finds himself third in the drivers’ championship standings—an unusual position for the Dutch driver, who has become accustomed to leading the title race early on.
The first three races of the season have produced mixed results for Verstappen. He began the campaign on a high note with a commanding win at the Japanese Grand Prix, showcasing the race-winning pace of his Red Bull. However, his fortunes dipped at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where he could only manage a sixth-place finish, a result that raised eyebrows given his usual performance standards. At the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which followed shortly after, Verstappen bounced back slightly, securing a second-place finish behind his main rival. Yet, the race was marred by a controversial incident that led to a penalty and cost him the chance of victory.
The drama unfolded during the opening lap of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. As the field entered Turn 1, Verstappen was involved in a clash with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. The move, viewed by the stewards as overly aggressive or unfair, resulted in Verstappen being handed a five-second time penalty. He served the penalty during his pit stop, which ultimately allowed another driver to take the lead and win the race.
Ralf Schumacher has since criticized how Verstappen responded to the penalty. While he did not challenge the stewards’ decision directly, Schumacher believes the Red Bull driver should have shown a more strategic and measured approach during the race to mitigate the impact of the penalty. According to the former F1 driver, Verstappen needed to adapt his race strategy more effectively after being penalized, especially given the tight competition at the front of the grid this season.
Schumacher also emphasized that while Verstappen is known for his aggressive driving style, which often gives him an edge, it can sometimes backfire—particularly under the stricter scrutiny of the 2025 regulations. He suggested that Verstappen’s decision-making in key moments, especially in the early laps of a Grand Prix, must become more refined if he hopes to reclaim and maintain the top spot in the championship standings.
This incident has fueled debates within the F1 community, with fans and pundits divided over whether the penalty was fair. Regardless of public opinion, Verstappen’s penalty and the resulting second-place finish in Jeddah have further tightened the championship battle. With two non-victory finishes out of three races, the reigning champion faces an uphill battle as he looks to regain momentum in the coming rounds.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Verstappen to see how he responds to this early adversity. Whether he takes Schumacher’s advice to heart or continues to rely on his trademark aggressive approach remains to be seen.
