Max Verstappen has been handed a five-second time penalty during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following an incident with Oscar Piastri at the start of the race.
The penalty was issued after the Red Bull driver left the track and gained an advantage at the opening corners of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
The incident occurred as both drivers shared the front row and battled for the lead after the lights went out.
Stewards sided with Piastri after reviewing the first-lap clash, requiring Verstappen to serve his penalty during his first pit stop.
Max Verstappen was furious after being handed a five-second penalty
Reuters
Piastri got the better launch off the line and appeared to edge ahead of Verstappen going into the first corner.
The McLaren driver had the advantage entering the first corner at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Verstappen, however, opted to cut across the chicane at the opening two corners to remain in the lead.
Over the radio, Piastri expressed his displeasure, claiming the Dutchman "had no intention of making that corner".
Verstappen insisted he had been forced off the track by Piastri and was unwilling to surrender the position.
The incident was promptly referred to the stewards, who ultimately ruled in favour of the McLaren driver.
In commentary for Sky Sports, Martin Brundle initially described the penalty as a "fair cop" after reviewing footage of the incident.
However, the respected pundit quickly questioned whether the five-second sanction was sufficient punishment.
"That still leaves him out front and in clean air," Brundle remarked.
He added: "Let's forget which car it is and who's driving, that leaves that driver up front in clear air rather than giving the place back."
The Sky Sports favourite was particularly concerned about the precedent being set.
Max Verstappen faces an uphill struggle now
Reuters
"You've either gained the place unfairly, or you haven't. I don't think that penalty does the job properly," he concluded.
Verstappen's frustration was evident when informed of the stewards' decision over team radio.
"Well that is f***ing llovely," the four-time F1 champion responded bluntly.
The 27-year-old had started the race in Jeddah on pole position.
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A five-second penalty for the current race leader, Max Verstappen for leaving the track and gaining an advantage at the start 🚨#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/0ow0EBommp
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 20, 2025
He is currently seeking his second race victory of the 2025 campaign.
The penalty was set to be costly, with Piastri just one second behind after nine laps.
The incident comes amid speculation about Verstappen's future, with reports suggesting he could leave Red Bull for Aston Martin in a deal reportedly worth around $300 million.
Aston Martin, however, has indicated they remain committed to their current driver lineup.
