JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday was ultimately decided by a first-corner incident involving the race winner, Oscar Piastri, and pole sitter, Max Verstappen. The stewards` decision on this incident became the defining moment, sparking debate among both drivers and their teams.
Video evidence largely supported the penalty against Verstappen, though Red Bull persistently defended their driver in the media. Notably absent from the post-race discussions was Verstappen himself, who chose silence to avoid potential sanctions from the FIA.
What Happened?
Piastri launched better off the start, positioning his McLaren on the inside of Verstappen for Turn 1. Replays indicated Piastri was ahead as they approached the corner. However, at the apex, Verstappen drew level and then surged ahead on the outside approaching Turn 2.
Due to his higher speed on the outside, Verstappen was unlikely to stay within track limits. This became critical as they entered Turn 2. Piastri`s position on Verstappen`s left forced Verstappen to cut the corner to prevent a collision.
Verstappen rejoined the track ahead of Piastri. Shortly after, a safety car was deployed due to a collision between Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly. The race was neutralized with Verstappen leading Piastri.
Piastri expressed his frustration on team radio, stating, `He needs to give that [position] back. I was ahead. He was never going to make that corner regardless of whether I was there or not.`
Verstappen countered on his radio, `He just forced me off. There was no intention to make that corner.`
Verstappen retained the lead after the safety car period. By lap six, stewards penalized him with a five-second penalty, effectively handing the lead to Piastri, provided he stayed close until the pit stops where Verstappen would serve his penalty.
What Did the Stewards Say?
Stewards based their decision on the Drivers` Standards Guidelines, F1`s racing regulations.
These guidelines, not public, were contentious after incidents at the U.S. and Mexican Grands Prix in 2024. A meeting in Qatar aimed to clarify these rules.
The Saudi Arabia Turn 1 incident was marginal but within the guidelines. Since Piastri`s front wheels were ahead of Verstappen`s mirror at the apex, the corner was deemed Piastri’s. He was not obliged to leave Verstappen space. Verstappen had to either stay on track, seemingly impossible, or concede the position.
Verstappen cut Turn 2 to avoid collision but, by not relinquishing the position, `gained a lasting advantage` according to the stewards.
`The stewards reviewed data, video, timing, telemetry, and in-car footage, determining Car 81 [Piastri] had its front axle alongside Car 1 [Verstappen]`s mirror at Turn 1 apex while overtaking. Car 81 was indeed alongside Car 1 at the apex,` the statement read. `Per Driver`s Standards Guidelines, it was Car 81`s corner, entitled to room.
`Car 1 left the track, gaining an unreturned lasting advantage, maintaining position ahead of Car 81 and extending the lead.`
While a 10-second penalty is typical for gaining a lasting advantage off-track, stewards issued a five-second penalty due to the first-corner context.
What Did the Drivers Say?
Piastri calmly stated he braked late but agreed with the stewards` decision. `I knew I had to brake quite late, but enough alongside to take the corner,` Piastri said. `I braked as late as possible while staying on track. The outcome was appropriate.`
Verstappen declined to comment, citing concerns about his words being `twisted` online and referencing FIA rules against comments causing `moral injury` to the FIA, punishable by fines or race bans.
`I can`t swear, but also can`t criticize in a way that might `harm` or `danger`… There are many lines, so silence is better to avoid trouble,` Verstappen explained.
Christian Horner, Red Bull`s team principal, presented their case, referencing an onboard camera image. This lower-mounted camera offered a different perspective than the broadcast footage used by stewards.
The image’s clarity on car positions relative to the apex is debated, but Piastri`s front wheel appears behind Verstappen`s, yet still aligned with Verstappen’s mirror—a key penalty factor.
Horner argued the image showed a racing incident, not a penalty-worthy offense. `We felt we hadn`t done anything wrong,` he stated. `First corner, racing incident… where is he [Verstappen] supposed to go?`
`At that moment [in the image], he can’t vanish. Oscar had a good start, Max an average one, ending up close, but per stewards, the front wheel must align with the mirror. It’s very, very close.`
He added, `Looking at that [image], their conclusion is unclear. Both entered at same speed, Oscar went deep; Max couldn`t disappear. Rules might need review. First-lap racing seems abandoned. I thought it harsh.`
Despite protests, Horner downplayed a formal appeal. `Stewards think it’s a slam dunk,` Horner said. `Protesting risks them doubling down. We asked them to review unavailable onboard footage.`
McLaren`s Andrea Stella considered it a close call but validated the penalty. `Turn 1 was close, but this is a business of margins. Oscar, with a great start and inside positioning, earned corner rights. Off-track overtaking is disallowed,` he said. `The case is clear, no real debate. Oscar’s racing is clean, tough, and precise.`
Small Margins and Big Wins
Red Bull might have benefited from instructing Verstappen to concede position, aiming to retake it with strategy. However, staying ahead offered clear air, hoping to negate the penalty by building a five-second gap.
`Giving it back meant dirty air [behind Piastri] and risk from George [Russell],` Horner explained. `Best option was to serve the penalty and push on.`
`Our pace on mediums in the first stint was strong. Post-penalty, on similar stints, Oscar finished 2.6 seconds ahead—a potential win lost to a five-second penalty.`
`Such marginal decisions will always cause differing opinions.`
The incident decided the race, awarding Piastri his third season win and championship lead, 10 points over teammate Norris and 12 over Verstappen.
Rupert Caldwell