Verstappen’s Saudi Arabian GP Penalty Sparks Heated Debate
A controversy surrounding Max Verstappen’s penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has sparked a heated debate in the Formula 1 paddock, with former driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert launching a scathing attack on Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. According to PlanetF1.com, Herbert expressed his dismay at Horner’s defence of Verstappen’s actions, labelling it as "a load of baloney".
The incident in question occurred on the first lap of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, when Verstappen and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri battled for the lead into Turn 1. Verstappen, who had started from pole position, left the track and rejoined ahead of Piastri, prompting the FIA stewards to hand him a five-second penalty. The penalty ultimately cost Verstappen a potential victory, as he finished the race in second place, 2.8 seconds behind Piastri.
Horner was vocal in his criticism of the penalty, arguing that it was "very harsh" and that Verstappen had done nothing wrong. As reported by PlanetF1.com, Horner produced a screenshot of Verstappen’s onboard footage, which he claimed showed his driver was ahead of Piastri at the apex of the corner. However, Herbert was unimpressed by Horner’s defence, telling PlanetF1.com that the Red Bull team principal had "zero understanding" of the situation.
"I don’t know how people will argue that it was an unfair penalty," Herbert said. "The people arguing against it have probably never been in a race car, and definitely not in an F1 car, so they have zero understanding. I’ll include Christian Horner in this, too. I know he’s the team principal and he’s trying to do what’s best for Red Bull, but sometimes you have to just admit you’re wrong and give the place back."
Herbert’s comments were echoed by the FIA stewards, who were adamant that Verstappen’s penalty was justified. The stewards’ decision was based on the fact that Verstappen had left the track and gained an advantage, which is a clear breach of the FIA’s regulations. As PlanetF1.com reported, Herbert added that Verstappen’s actions were not in line with the standards expected of a Formula 1 driver.
"It was a definite penalty, because when you go into any corner, especially a tight one like that, you’ve got to be on the apex near the kerb," Herbert explained. "The apex of the turn was not where Verstappen was, who was two metres out. Horner then came up with the picture of evidence to show who was in front in Turn 1, which was a load of baloney, but to me, it was passing the buck to the FIA and the stewards."
Red Bull has confirmed that they will not be appealing the penalty, with Horner indicating that they would be unlikely to succeed even if they did. As quoted by PlanetF1.com, Horner said: "Everything has to be objectively looked at in isolation, and that’s a really marginal call. I think the stewards, obviously… we spoke to them after the race, they think it was a slam dunk. So the problem is, if we’re to protest it, then they’re gonna most likely hold the line."
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the FIA’s regulations and the consistency of their decision-making. As PlanetF1.com reported, Horner questioned the FIA’s approach, saying: "I don’t know what’s happened to ‘let them race’ on the first lap. That seems to have been abandoned."
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was a closely contested event, with many drivers pushing the limits of the track. However, as Herbert pointed out, the rules are in place to ensure driver safety and fair play. The incident has highlighted the challenges of policing the sport and the need for clear and consistent regulations.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Verstappen’s penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has sparked a heated debate in the Formula 1 paddock. While Horner and Red Bull have expressed their disappointment at the penalty, Herbert and the FIA stewards have defended the decision, citing the need for clear and consistent regulations. As the sport continues to evolve, it is clear that the FIA will face ongoing challenges in policing the sport and ensuring fair play.
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