Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has refused to discuss his penalty in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, claiming "people can't handle the full truth".
The Red Bull driver was handed a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage in a first-corner battle with McLaren's Oscar Piastri.
Verstappen cut short his post-race interview and remained tight-lipped when questioned about the incident.
The incident occurred at the start of the race when pole-sitter Verstappen cut across a chicane during a wheel-to-wheel battle with Piastri at Turn 1.
Max Verstappen was not happy after being handed a five-second penalty in Jeddah
Reuters
Stewards deemed that Verstappen had gained an unfair advantage, as Piastri had got fully alongside him on the inside of the first corner.
The penalty potentially cost Verstappen the race win, as he finished just 2.6 seconds behind Piastri.
Verstappen's reluctance to elaborate stems from concerns about potential retribution from Formula 1's governing body, the FIA.
Over the winter, the FIA introduced new rules that codify penalties for drivers who criticise the governing body.
These changes were implemented at the behest of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and can lead to fines, a one-month ban, and deduction of championship points.
"You can't share your opinion because it's not appreciated apparently, or people can't handle the full truth," Verstappen said.
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"Honestly, it's better if I don't say too much."
"It's honestly just how everything is becoming. Everyone is super-sensitive about everything. And what we have currently, we cannot be critical anyway.
"So less talking – even better for me."
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said he felt the penalty was "very harsh" and questioned: "Whatever happened to 'let them race on the first lap?' That just seems to have been abandoned."
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Max Verstappen had to settle for second as Oscar Piastri pipped him to first place
Reuters
The stewards' verdict explained that the normal penalty for such an infringement would be 10 seconds, but they reduced it to five because it occurred on the first lap.
Verstappen led until the first pit stops, when he served the penalty and dropped behind Piastri, who controlled the race from there.
This was Piastri's third win in five Grands Prix this season, showcasing the Australian's growing dominance.
The McLaren driver had shown strong pace throughout, tracking Verstappen closely in the first stint before taking control after the pit stops.
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Max Verstappen was handed a five-second penalty after cutting off the track
Reuters
The FIA's new Sporting Code forbids "any words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA".
Drivers face a €10,000 fine for a first offence, with repeat violations potentially resulting in a month-long suspension and championship point deductions.
Verstappen previously had to perform "community service" after swearing in a press conference at last year's Singapore Grand Prix.
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