Flash: Verstappen discusses ‘very WEIRD’ F1 incident…More
Verstappen discusses ‘very WEIRD’ F1 incident
Max Verstappen has expressed frustration over a controversial penalty he received before the 2024 Formula 1 season finale, describing the situation as “very weird.”
The incident occurred at the Qatar Grand Prix, where Verstappen and George Russell were summoned to the stewards’ room.
Verstappen was penalized with a one-place grid drop for allegedly driving unnecessarily slowly on a cooldown lap and impeding Russell.
This decision promoted Russell to pole position, demoting Verstappen.
The penalty reignited tensions between the two drivers, leading to a heated exchange during the media day ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Verstappen accused Russell of being two-faced and criticized his public persona.
In response, Russell denied the claims and revealed he had been involved in explicit verbal exchanges with Verstappen.
Reflecting on the penalty, Verstappen expressed confusion about the FIA’s decision.
He recounted the incident, explaining that he had slowed down to avoid disrupting other drivers’ laps.
Verstappen noted that Fernando Alonso had exited the pits on fresh tires and was approaching quickly, prompting him to let Alonso pass.
However, the situation became complicated when other cars ahead slowed, forcing Verstappen to adjust his pace to avoid interfering with their preparations.
Verstappen emphasized that his actions were intended to prevent any issues, not cause them.
He argued that on cooldown laps, drivers typically stay on the racing line to avoid picking up debris.
Despite this, he was called to the stewards, an outcome he found surprising and frustrating.
“By actually trying to stay out of trouble, you put yourself in trouble,” he remarked.
The Dutchman criticized the timing and reasoning behind the penalty, stating that it was disappointing, especially so late in the season.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the stewards’ conclusion and felt the situation was mishandled.
Verstappen also voiced frustration at being placed in a no-win situation, where his efforts to avoid controversy ultimately led to the penalty.
As the season wrapped up in Abu Dhabi, the feud between Verstappen and Russell underscored the tension that had built up during the year, with Verstappen maintaining that the penalty and the circumstances surrounding it were unjustified.
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