Overview

• Max Verstappen received a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage during a Turn 1 duel with Oscar Piastri at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
• Red Bull Racing confirmed they will not appeal the penalty, citing a lack of new evidence to meet FIA review criteria.
• The penalty cost Verstappen the race win, with Piastri finishing 2.8 seconds ahead to claim victory and take the lead in the Drivers’ Championship.
• The incident has reignited discussions about FIA penalty guidelines, driving standards, and the consistency of stewarding decisions in wheel-to-wheel racing scenarios.
• Red Bull’s strategic decision not to return the position immediately after the incident has been scrutinized, with some arguing it may have cost Verstappen a better chance at victory.