McLaren criticise Verstappen’s mindset after Saudi clash, saying Piastri earned the win fair and square with a clean, confident move.
McLaren didn’t hold back in their reaction to Max Verstappen’s penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. CEO Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella both agreed: the stewards made the right call.
Starting from pole, Verstappen was hit with a five-second penalty after a controversial move in the very first corner. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who had lined up alongside him on the front row, launched off the grid with a strong start — and Verstappen’s attempt to hold position was deemed illegal by race officials.
In the end, Verstappen crossed the line second, 2.843 seconds behind Piastri.
“I honestly believe the penalty was justified,” said Zak Brown. “Oscar clearly had the inside line and a better launch. You’ve got to stay within the limits of the track.”
“Whether it was a five-second penalty or a swap of positions, something had to be done. I think the FIA got it right. It was Oscar’s corner. At some point, you have to accept when you’ve lost the position — and that’s something Max just can’t do. It’s a real issue for him.”
Andrea Stella echoed the sentiment, praising his driver’s poise under pressure.
“Oscar won that race because of a brilliant start,” said Stella. “He handled Turn 1 with confidence, even with Verstappen right there.”
“It was tight, but Oscar kept it clean and on track. He earned that lead.”
“Once you’re in clean air, it changes everything. Max took a gamble, and it didn’t pay off. Oscar looked like a seasoned pro — and this was only his 51st F1 race.”
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McLaren Says Verstappen’s Penalty Was Fully Deserved McLaren Says Verstappen’s Penalty Was Fully Deserved