F1 News Today: FIA release official statement on Verstappen penalty following Horner’s ev… read more
F1 News Today: FIA release official statement on Verstappen penalty following Horner’s ev… read more
During the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen received a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage at Turn 1 while defending against Oscar Piastri. This penalty cost him the race victory, with Piastri finishing 2.8 seconds ahead. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner contested the decision, presenting photographic evidence to argue that Verstappen was already ahead and questioning the expectation for Verstappen to “vanish” to avoid leaving the track.
Verstappen chose not to comment publicly on the penalty, citing concerns over potential repercussions under the FIA’s revised regulations, which impose stricter penalties for driver conduct violations. He emphasized that it’s safer and less time-consuming to remain silent, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction within Formula One regarding the FIA’s conduct.
