Max Verstappen slams F1 penalty system after Piastri collision: ‘stupid idiots’

Verstappen confused by F1 penalty decision following Abu Dhabi incident

Max Verstappen has openly expressed his perplexity towards Formula 1’s penalty system. The contention arose following a 10-second penalty handed to him for a collision with Oscar Piastri, a penalty Verstappen deemed inconsistent compared to past decisions.

The incident that sparked the controversy occurred when Verstappen, in an attempt to overtake, clipped the rear of Piastri's McLaren at the first corner, resulting in both drivers spinning. The confusion over the penalty was evident when Verstappen sarcastically suggested over his team's radio, "Can we ask for 20 seconds? Stupid idiots." Despite this jab at the race stewards, the FIA did not initiate any further investigation into his comments.

Post-race, Verstappen took a more reflective tone, stressing his intent to personally apologize to Piastri for the mishap. "I don't understand anything anymore but it's fine," he remarked, highlighting his confusion over the penalty's rationale but choosing to focus on making amends with Piastri over dwelling on the decision.

The Red Bull driver provided insight into his thought process during the incident, explaining his misjudgment in anticipating Piastri's awareness of his own maneuver. "So I went for it and then I realized he doesn't see me there, so I was like trying to get out of it but then we still clipped," he shared. Verstappen even humorously estimated that he was bracing for a harsher penalty, signaling the unpredictability he feels is inherent in the stewarding process.

Red Bull Team Principal, Christian Horner, stood by Verstappen's expressive outburst, contextualizing it as a natural reaction to what they perceive as an inconsistency in the adjudication of penalties within the sport. "I mean, circumstances change, but drivers don't, and sometimes I do feel that it's very unfair," Horner commented, echoing the sentiments of frustration felt by many within the F1 community over penalty decisions.

The incident between Verstappen and Piastri and the ensuing penalty continue to spur discussion on the clarity and consistency of Formula 1's penalty system.

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