F1 champion Verstappen rages at ‘IDIOT' stewards after huge FIA

F1 champion Verstappen rages at ‘IDIOT’ stewards after huge FIA penalty…..read more

Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 champion, expressed frustration with the stewards following a significant penalty at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Dutch driver was penalized after colliding with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri during the opening lap of the race at Yas Marina. Verstappen attempted to overtake Piastri at the first corner but ended up making contact with the McLaren. As a result, Verstappen was handed a 10-second time penalty, which he served during his pit stop.

Despite the penalty, Verstappen refused to take responsibility for the incident and strongly criticized the stewards. Over the team radio, he vented his anger, calling the stewards “stupid idiots” and even suggesting that the penalty should have been 20 seconds instead of 10. His outburst was a clear sign of his frustration with the decision.

Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle quickly came to the defense of the stewards, arguing that Verstappen’s comments were unfair. He pointed out that the stewards were merely applying the rules and that Verstappen would not have received a penalty if he had avoided the collision in the first place. Brundle emphasized that the stewards were just enforcing the regulations, which are designed to maintain fair racing.

Verstappen’s frustration with the stewards is not a new development. Throughout the 2024 season, the four-time world champion has had a tense relationship with race officials, particularly when it comes to penalties. A notable incident occurred at the Mexican Grand Prix, where Verstappen received two consecutive 10-second penalties for his driving tactics against Lando Norris. One penalty was given for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, while the other was for running Norris wide. Verstappen’s displeasure with these decisions was evident, and he voiced his dissatisfaction on several occasions.

Despite the penalty in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen’s performance remained strong. He managed to stay ahead of Piastri, who had a challenging race, suffering a second crash with Franco Colapinto early on. Verstappen’s pace allowed him to maintain his position, and he continued to perform at a high level throughout the race.

The controversy surrounding Verstappen’s penalty in Abu Dhabi highlights a broader issue in Formula 1, with some drivers frequently questioning the stewards’ decisions. While the regulations are in place to ensure fairness, the interpretation of these rules can often lead to disagreements, especially when penalties are perceived as unjust. Verstappen’s outburst is part of a pattern of discontent with race officials, reflecting the increasing tension between drivers and the governing body of Formula 1.