Overview

• Max Verstappen was penalized five seconds for leaving the track and gaining an advantage during a Turn 1 incident with Oscar Piastri at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
• The penalty, reduced from a baseline of 10 seconds due to mitigating circumstances as a lap-one incident, was served during Verstappen's pit stop.
• Red Bull Racing has officially decided against filing a right-of-review petition, citing a lack of new evidence and low chances of success.
• Telemetry and video evidence showed Verstappen would not have made the corner, solidifying the stewards' decision to penalize him.
• The penalty was pivotal in the race outcome, securing Piastri's victory and propelling him to the top of the championship standings.