Max Verstappen defended over handling of cont…Read More
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has praised Max Verstappen for the composed and mature manner in which he handled media scrutiny following his controversial penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The Dutch driver, who ultimately finished second behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, was penalized five seconds for a first-corner incident that proved critical in the outcome of the race.
The penalty, handed down by the race stewards, drew frustration from Verstappen, who believed the situation had been misjudged. Red Bull had opted not to relinquish the position to Piastri following the overtake, assuming it would not result in a sanction. However, the stewards disagreed, and the resulting five-second penalty dropped Verstappen just 2.8 seconds behind the McLaren at the checkered flag—costing him a potential win and the lead in the championship standings.
After stepping out of his RB21, Verstappen was interviewed trackside by former driver David Coulthard. He notably kept his responses brief and cautious, steering clear of any remarks that could be interpreted as criticism of the FIA. Given the governing body’s sensitivity to post-race commentary that questions officiating, Verstappen’s reserved demeanor was seen as a wise move to avoid further penalties or controversy.
Horner, speaking on the BBC’s The Inside Track podcast, highlighted the difficulty drivers face in controlling their emotions immediately after a race. He emphasized how Verstappen’s restraint was a sign of growth and maturity in high-pressure situations.
“I thought he showed great maturity, to be honest with you,” Horner said. “It’s incredibly tough for a driver. They come out of the car, adrenaline still pumping, emotions high, and within seconds they’ve got a microphone in their face. It’s easy to say something in the heat of the moment that you might later regret.”
Verstappen did offer more extensive responses during the formal FIA press conference that followed, but he remained guarded on questions relating directly to the penalty and its impact. Instead, he focused on the race as a whole, avoiding any inflammatory comments.
Horner appreciated that level of discipline, recognizing how important it is for drivers—particularly those in the spotlight like Verstappen—to maintain professionalism even when decisions go against them. He noted that such composure reflects not only the experience Verstappen has gained over the years but also his growing sense of responsibility as a four-time world champion.
Verstappen’s calculated reaction reinforced his role as a seasoned competitor, able to manage frustration and media pressure without compromising his integrity or risking further consequences. For Red Bull, this was a clear indication of their driver’s mental strength and maturity under fire.
