Max Verstappen suggested that his inability to fully express his frustration over a penalty during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix stems from a concern that people are unable to `handle the full truth`.
The reigning world champion, who began the race in Jeddah from pole position, received a penalty for gaining an advantage by leaving the track during a first-corner incident with Oscar Piastri, who ultimately won the race.
Piastri, starting from second on the grid, had a superior start and drew level with Verstappen on the inside. The Dutch driver chose not to yield, utilizing the run-off area to maintain his lead.
Initially, Red Bull and Verstappen opted against relinquishing the position to Piastri. Subsequently, the race stewards imposed a five-second penalty, which allowed the Australian driver to take the lead after Verstappen served it during his pit stop.
Verstappen made it clear that he was dissatisfied with the penalty decision. However, he indicated he could not go into detail for fear of repercussions from the FIA, the sport`s governing body.
`The problem is, I can`t share my opinion about it because I might be penalised,` Verstappen stated. `Therefore, it`s better for me not to comment on it.`
`I believe it`s wiser not to discuss it. Anything I might say or attempt to say about it could lead to trouble for me.`
Are Rules Different This Year?
In a post-race interview, Verstappen was questioned about the difference between this incident and a similar one involving Lando Norris at the previous year`s United States Grand Prix, where Norris was penalized for a comparable infraction.
Verstappen seemed to imply that alterations to the Drivers` Standards Guidelines for the current season meant direct comparisons between the incidents were not valid.
He explained, `We`ve discussed it extensively, and the rules are somewhat different between last year and this year, although that`s not really the core issue.`
`But truthfully, this isn`t my problem to resolve.`
When asked to elaborate, he simply added, `Let`s look at the official documentation. It`s all documented.`
In their official written verdict on the incident, the stewards explained that because Piastri, as the overtaking driver, had moved ahead of Verstappen, the guidelines dictated that Piastri was entitled to the corner.
The ruling stated: `The stewards examined positioning/marshalling system data, video footage, timing data, telemetry, and in-car video evidence and determined that car 81 (Piastri) had its front axle at least alongside the mirror of Car 1 (Verstappen) prior to and at the apex of corner 1 when attempting to overtake Car 1 on the inside. In fact, Car 81 was alongside Car 1 at the apex.`
`Based on the Driver`s Standards Guidelines, corner ownership was therefore Car 81’s, and he was entitled to racing room.`
`Car 1 then left the track and gained a lasting advantage that was not ceded. He remained ahead of Car 81 and endeavoured to extend this advantage.`
Horner Suggests Rules Re-evaluation
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed a more detailed perspective on why he considered the decision unjust, presenting telemetry in his post-race briefing which he asserted supported his viewpoint.
He commented, `I felt it was very severe. We didn`t concede the position because we didn`t believe we had committed any infraction. It`s quite evident that at the corner`s apex, we believe Max was clearly in front.`
`I fail to understand how the stewards arrived at their conclusion. Both drivers entered the corner at the same speed. Oscar braked late into the corner, and Max couldn’t simply vanish at that juncture.`
`Perhaps these regulations warrant reconsideration. I`m unsure what happened to the principle of `let them race` on the first lap. It seems to have been disregarded.`
Horner added that the stewards` strong conviction in their decision made it `highly improbable` that Red Bull would lodge an appeal against the ruling.
He also clarified that the decision to risk a penalty rather than surrender the position was influenced by Red Bull`s concern about Mercedes` George Russell, who was in third place.
`Had we yielded the position, we would have been in turbulent air and potentially vulnerable to George,` Horner explained. `Therefore, the optimal course of action at that moment, upon receiving the penalty, was to focus, get our heads down, and continue racing.`
Piastri Believes Decision Was Correct
Piastri, who achieved his third victory of the season and for the first time in his career became the world championship leader, expressed equal certainty that the ruling in his favour was accurate.
`I had an excellent start and positioned myself alongside,` Piastri mentioned. `From that point, I naturally had to brake quite late, but I was confident that I had enough of my car alongside to claim the corner.`
`We both braked exceptionally late, but I believe I braked as late as possible while still remaining on the track. I think the way it was handled is the correct outcome.`
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown stated that Verstappen `definitely` merited a penalty for choosing not to concede the corner and position.
Brown told Sky Sports F1: `I definitely felt a penalty was warranted. Oscar was clearly on the inside, had a better start, and it`s essential to utilize the race track.`
`Whether it`s a five-second penalty or requiring the position to be given back, either approach would have been acceptable. I thought it was entirely appropriate. It was Oscar`s corner, and at some point, you have to concede.`
Brundle: Piastri Entitled to the Corner
Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle, who was providing live commentary on the incident, was convinced Verstappen deserved a penalty and maintained this view after the race.
Brundle commented: `Oscar got to the first corner, reached the first apex – and having reviewed the rules for 2025 – he had earned that corner.`
`However, if your competitor is willing to release the brakes – and if you observe, there isn`t a significant amount of steering input – Max didn`t really attempt to navigate around the outside.`
`He had lost the corner and should have tucked back in.`
`I believe the team should have immediately returned the position. In my opinion, it was evident he would incur a penalty for that, and by conceding the place, they might have had a greater opportunity to win the race.`
