Verstappen Silent on Controversial Grand Prix Penalty Amid FIA Fears

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Following a controversial time penalty that cost him victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday, Max Verstappen declined to comment further, citing fears of repercussions from the FIA, motorsport’s governing body.

Verstappen, a four-time world champion, received a five-second penalty after cutting across a chicane during a tense first corner with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. The incident occurred shortly after Verstappen had started the race from pole position. Despite a strong start, the penalty ultimately pushed him to finish second, 2.8 seconds behind Piastri, who secured his third win of the season.

When informed of the penalty during the race, Verstappen responded over the radio with sarcasm, saying it was “bloody lovely.” However, after the race, he refrained from elaborating on the incident, explaining, “The problem is that I cannot share my opinion about it because I might get penalized also, you know, so it’s better not to speak about it.”

Verstappen indicated concerns over the FIA’s new regulations against drivers who criticize the organization or its officials, stating, “You can’t share fully your opinion because it’s not appreciated, apparently, or people can’t handle the full truth.”

These misconduct regulations, established ahead of the 2025 season, impose penalties for comments that could “harm” the FIA or cause “moral injury.” Verstappen referenced these regulations as a reason for his cautious approach, commenting, “That’s why it’s better not to talk about it, because you can put yourself in trouble.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed frustration over the penalty, labeling it “very harsh.” He questioned the basis of the decision, stating, “I can’t see how they got to that conclusion… Whatever happened to ‘let them race on the first lap?’”

The FIA justified the penalty by stating that Verstappen left the track and gained an advantage over Piastri by not giving him room at the corner. Normally, a violation would result in a ten-second penalty; however, the stewards noted that the incident occurred on the opening lap, warranting a reduction to five seconds. Piastri, who ultimately won the race, clarified that he believed he was entitled to the corner, having been sufficiently alongside Verstappen.

Verstappen’s remarks post-race reflect broader concerns among drivers about the potential repercussions of speaking openly about race incidents. He added, “It’s honestly just how everything is becoming. Everyone is super-sensitive about everything… For me, honestly, it’s better if I don’t need to say too much.”

After initially struggling in the Bahrain Grand Prix the previous week, where he finished sixth, Verstappen’s second-place finish in Jeddah provided a more optimistic outlook for Red Bull in the ongoing season. However, he now sits third in the drivers’ standings, trailing Piastri by 12 points.

The race not only marked Piastri’s growing prowess as a contender but also highlighted the tension between drivers and the governing body regarding how feedback is managed within Formula One.