Max Verstappen expressed frustration after receiving a five-second penalty that cost him the victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, finishing second behind Oscar Piastri. Verstappen, who started on pole, was penalized for leaving the track during a first-corner incident deemed to have given him an unfair advantage. While he sarcastically responded over the radio to the penalty, Verstappen chose not to criticize the decision publicly due to new FIA rules that prohibit drivers from openly questioning the organization, fearing potential repercussions. Despite his disappointment, he acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding such issues in the current environment.
CNN
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Max Verstappen chose to stay silent rather than express his true feelings after a contentious ruling that cost him victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday.
The four-time champion finished in second place behind Australian racer Oscar Piastri, following a five-second time penalty for exceeding track limits during a dramatic first-corner clash.
Verstappen started from pole position, but Piastri had a significantly better launch and took the lead going into the first corner. In the battle for control, Verstappen cut across a chicane, which race officials ruled provided him an unfair advantage.
The Red Bull driver, who responded sarcastically over the radio when informed of the penalty during the race, was visibly upset but refrained from discussing the incident due to new regulations imposed by the sport’s governing body that aim to prevent drivers from criticizing the organization.
“The issue is that I can’t voice my opinion on it for fear of penalties,” Verstappen shared with journalists. “So, it’s better not to comment.
“I believe it’s wiser to stay mute on this topic. Anything I say may lead to trouble for me.”
When asked if he felt frustrated about needing to keep quiet on such matters, Verstappen remarked, “It’s simply the reality we are in.”
He continued: “You can’t fully express your opinion because it’s not welcomed, apparently, or people struggle with the entire truth.
“Honestly, it’s easier for me to not have to say much, which also saves time because we already have so much to handle.”
“It’s just how things are evolving. Everyone is incredibly sensitive about various matters. And with the current rules, we can’t be critical anyway. So, less conversation is actually better for me.”
Verstappen was alluding to the latest FIA Sporting Code that includes a new rule banning: “Any words, actions, or writings that cause moral harm or damage to the FIA.”
Drivers could face a fine of 10,000 euros ($11,300) for an initial offense, while repeated violations could result in a one-month suspension and loss of championship points.
While Verstappen chose to hold back his opinions, Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner expressed that the ruling was “difficult” to accept.
“I’m not sure where Max was supposed to go in that first corner,” he told Sky Sports.
The FIA outlined its rationale for penalizing Verstappen on its website, stating he “exited the track and gained a significant advantage that was not relinquished.”
It further noted: “Typically, the standard penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage is 10 seconds. However, given that this was a first-lap, first-corner incident, we considered this a mitigating factor and thus imposed a 5-second penalty instead.”
This incident marks the latest hurdle in an already turbulent season for both Red Bull and Verstappen, who has had to quell speculation about a potential departure from the team.
The 27-year-old driver has been vocally critical of his car’s performance in recent weeks, but found some solace in a notable improvement during the Saudi Arabian race, allowing him to compete with his opponents.
Nonetheless, Verstappen remains in third place in the standings, just two points behind Lando Norris and twelve points adrift of current leader Piastri.