Breaking: Red Bull confirm FINAL decision over Verstappen penalty p….read more
Red Bull Racing has officially concluded its internal review regarding the five-second time penalty issued to Max Verstappen during last weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and has announced it will not appeal the decision. The penalty, given for an opening-lap incident involving McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, significantly impacted the race outcome and led to widespread speculation over whether Red Bull would challenge the ruling.
Verstappen had secured pole position following a dominant qualifying performance but lost his early advantage when Piastri made a strong start and overtook him heading into Turn 1. The two drivers battled closely through the first corners, during which Verstappen ran off track and rejoined ahead of Piastri without giving back the position. Race stewards reviewed the incident and determined that Verstappen gained an unfair advantage by not yielding after going off track. As a result, the Dutchman was handed a five-second penalty during the race.
Despite maintaining competitive pace throughout the event, Verstappen was unable to recover the time lost due to the penalty and ultimately finished second behind Piastri, who claimed a significant and career-defining victory for McLaren. The decision stirred tension within the Red Bull camp, with Verstappen visibly unhappy during the post-race press conference, where he gave curt and dismissive responses, underscoring his frustration with the ruling.
Team principal Christian Horner also voiced discontent with the decision, suggesting the incident could have been managed differently. In the immediate aftermath, Red Bull hinted at the possibility of seeking a formal review, which is only permitted under FIA rules if new, relevant evidence not previously considered becomes available.
Over the following days, Red Bull conducted a thorough analysis of the incident, examining race footage, radio communications, and stewards’ documentation. However, after evaluating the circumstances, the team announced that it would not pursue further action. In an official statement, Red Bull acknowledged their disagreement with the penalty but emphasized their intent to focus on the remaining races and the broader championship battle, rather than prolonging the dispute.
The team’s decision marks the end of the controversy surrounding the Jeddah incident. While the penalty continues to spark debate among fans and pundits, Red Bull appears committed to moving forward. Verstappen remains a strong contender in the title race, though the incident highlights how critical each point can be in a tightly contested season.
Meanwhile, Piastri’s win has elevated his profile within Formula 1, solidifying his reputation as a rising star. As the season continues, all eyes will be on Red Bull’s response, both in terms of performance and their evolving relationship with the FIA.
