Max Verstappen hinted that he couldn`t fully express his frustration about receiving a penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to fear of repercussions.
The reigning champion, starting from pole position, was penalized for gaining an advantage by leaving the track during a first-corner incident with Oscar Piastri, who ultimately won the race.
Piastri had a better start and moved alongside Verstappen on the inside. Verstappen did not yield and used the run-off area to maintain his lead.
Red Bull initially chose not to give the position back to Piastri, leading to a five-second penalty imposed by the stewards. This penalty allowed Piastri to take the lead during the pit stops.
Verstappen made it clear he disagreed with the penalty but refrained from elaborating, fearing potential sanctions from the FIA, the sport`s governing body.
`The problem is that I cannot share my opinion about it because I might get penalized,` Verstappen stated. `So it`s better not to speak about it. Anything I say might get me in trouble.`
Different rules this year?
In a post-race interview, Verstappen suggested that the incident differed from a similar one with Lando Norris last year at the US Grand Prix, where Norris was penalized. He implied that changes to the Drivers` Standards Guidelines might be the reason for the different outcomes.
Verstappen said the rules might be different this year, but avoided making it his problem, suggesting to `get the paperwork` for details.
The stewards` ruling stated that Piastri, as the overtaking car, had earned the corner because his car was significantly alongside Verstappen`s at the apex. Verstappen left the track and gained an advantage without relinquishing it.
Horner: Rules Need Review
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner described the penalty as `very harsh` and disagreed with the stewards` conclusion, believing Verstappen was ahead at the apex. He questioned the `let them race` principle on the first lap and suggested a review of the rules.
Horner indicated that an appeal was `highly unlikely` due to the stewards` firm stance. He also mentioned that the decision to accept the penalty rather than concede the position was influenced by the threat from Mercedes` George Russell.
Piastri: Decision Was Correct
Piastri, on the other hand, was confident that the penalty was correctly awarded. He described getting a good start and being sufficiently alongside Verstappen to take the corner. He believed the situation was handled appropriately.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown supported the penalty, stating that Piastri was `clearly up the inside` and deserved the corner, suggesting either a time penalty or position concession would have been appropriate.
Brundle: Piastri Owned the Corner
Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle agreed that Verstappen deserved the penalty. He asserted that Piastri had earned the corner and Verstappen should have yielded. Brundle suggested Red Bull should have instructed Verstappen to give the position back immediately.
