Saudi Arabian GP: Piastri-Verstappen Collision Leads to McLaren Victory

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday was decided by a first-corner incident involving the eventual winner, Oscar Piastri, and pole-sitter Max Verstappen. The outcome ultimately depended on the stewards` decision rather than the racing on track, which predictably sparked debate among the drivers and their teams.

Most footage supported the penalty against Verstappen, but Red Bull continued to argue their case in the media late into the night. However, Verstappen remained silent, fearing repercussions from the governing body.

What Happened?

Piastri had a better start, pulling alongside Verstappen and positioning his McLaren on the inside for Turn 1. Footage showed Piastri ahead of Verstappen approaching the corner, but at the apex, Verstappen drew level and then moved ahead on the outside as they neared Turn 2.

Due to the extra speed on the outside, Verstappen was unlikely to stay on the track. This became irrelevant when both cars turned for Turn 2, and Piastri`s position on Verstappen`s left forced Verstappen to cut the corner to avoid a crash.

Verstappen rejoined ahead of Piastri after Turn 2. Shortly after, a collision between Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly brought out a safety car. 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 wasn`t making that corner regardless of me.`

Verstappen responded, `He just forced me off. There was no intention to make that corner.`

Verstappen kept the position when racing resumed, but by lap six, stewards issued a five-second penalty, effectively handing Piastri the lead once pit stops began.

Stewards` Decision

Stewards based their judgment on the Drivers` Standards Guidelines, F1`s racing rules.

These guidelines became controversial after incidents at the U.S. and Mexican Grands Prix in 2024 and were clarified at a meeting in Qatar.

The Saudi Arabia incident was borderline but covered by the guidelines. Since Piastri`s front wheels were ahead of Verstappen`s mirror at the apex, the corner was considered Piastri`s, and Verstappen had to give room. Verstappen had to stay on track to keep the lead or concede the position.

Verstappen cut Turn 2 to avoid collision but didn`t return the position, thus `gaining a lasting advantage` according to stewards.

The stewards` statement explained that Piastri`s car was alongside Verstappen`s mirror at Turn 1 apex. Based on guidelines, it was Piastri`s corner, and he deserved racing room.

`Car 1 left the track and gained a lasting advantage that was not given back, maintaining position ahead of Car 81.`

While a typical penalty for this is 10 seconds, stewards gave five due to the first-corner race conditions.

Driver Reactions

Piastri calmly stated he braked late but had no issue with the racing or the stewards` decision. `I braked as late as possible while staying on track, and the outcome was appropriate.`

Verstappen declined to comment, citing potential misinterpretation on social media and FIA guidelines against criticism that could harm the FIA, punishable by fines or race bans.

`I can`t swear, and I can`t criticize in a way that might `harm` or `danger`… It`s better not to talk about it to avoid trouble.`

Christian Horner, Red Bull`s team principal, defended Verstappen, presenting an image from Verstappen`s onboard camera, which offered a different perspective compared to broadcast footage.

In Horner`s image, Piastri`s front wheel appeared behind Verstappen`s, but still aligned with Verstappen’s mirror, a key point for the penalty.

Horner argued it was a racing incident, stating, `First corner, racing incident, two cars going… where should Verstappen go? He can`t vanish. It`s very, very close to the rule.`

He questioned the penalty`s harshness and the abandonment of `let them race` principles on the first lap.

Despite his stance, Horner downplayed protesting, noting stewards were firm in their decision. McLaren`s Andrea Stella agreed the penalty was valid, emphasizing Piastri`s deserved corner and clean racing.

`Turn 1 was close, but Oscar earned the corner by positioning his car correctly. Overtaking off-track isn`t allowed. Oscar raced cleanly, toughly, and precisely.`

Small Margins, Big Wins

Red Bull might have benefited from instructing Verstappen to concede the position and then strategize a pass, but they hoped Verstappen could build a five-second lead to negate the penalty.

Horner noted the dilemma of dirty air and the risk from George Russell behind. Keeping the lead seemed the best immediate option.

He lamented that without the penalty, Verstappen likely would have won, given his pace. `It was a marginal decision, and opinions will differ.`

The incident decided the race, with Piastri winning and leading the championship, ahead of Norris and Verstappen.