Formula 1 has been plunged into fresh controversy as McLaren’s rising star Oscar Piastri publicly declared that Max Verstappen “deserved” a five-second penalty for their heated on-track clash at the Japanese Grand Prix. The bold statement has not only escalated tensions between McLaren and Red Bull, but it has also prompted a stern warning from both Verstappen and Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner, warning the young Australian to tread carefully.

The Incident That Ignited It All

During Lap 17 of the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri were locked in a high-speed battle for P2. As Piastri attempted to dive on the inside of Turn 11, Verstappen closed the door aggressively, forcing the McLaren driver wide and off the track. Piastri rejoined safely but lost significant time.

The stewards reviewed the incident and controversially ruled it a “racing incident,” with no further action. But in a post-race interview, Piastri made headlines by directly challenging the FIA’s ruling:

“Honestly, he deserved a five-second penalty. You can’t just push someone off like that and get away with it. It sets a bad precedent.”

Red Bull Reacts: “Watch Your Mouth”

Max Verstappen didn’t waste time responding. While speaking with Dutch media after the race, he addressed Piastri’s remarks with visible irritation:

“He’s still new here. Maybe he should focus more on driving than talking. If he wants to be treated like a top driver, he should start acting like one.”

Meanwhile, Red Bull boss Christian Horner issued a more veiled but equally firm warning:

“Oscar is a talented kid, no doubt. But making accusations like that in public is dangerous. He’s playing with fire when he starts questioning the integrity of race control and other drivers. He’ll learn.”

Insiders from the Red Bull camp say the comments “didn’t sit well” with Verstappen, who is known for being fiercely defensive of his driving style.

McLaren Stands Behind Piastri

Despite the backlash, McLaren team boss Andrea Stella came out in support of his young driver, insisting Piastri had every right to express his views:

“Oscar was in the car, he felt the contact, he lost time. His opinion is valid. We believe in fair racing and consistent rulings. If drivers feel something is wrong, they should speak up.”

McLaren fans have rallied behind Piastri online, praising his “fearlessness” and “integrity” for speaking out against one of F1’s most dominant figures.

Paddock Divided: Is F1 Playing Favorites?

Piastri’s comments have re-ignited a long-standing debate within the F1 community—do the stewards go easy on Verstappen?

Social media has erupted with heated arguments, with some fans pointing to previous controversial Verstappen incidents that ended with no penalties or warnings. Others defended the Dutchman’s hard-nosed racing style, claiming he’s simply “uncompromising, not dirty.”

Even some rival drivers, speaking anonymously, admitted there is a perception that Verstappen gets “more leniency” than others.

The Bigger Picture

This feud comes at a time when the championship battle is tightening, and rising stars like Piastri are looking to disrupt the established hierarchy. With Verstappen’s dominance over recent seasons, any perceived challenge to his status is met with fierce resistance—not just from him, but from the entire Red Bull machine.

Whether Piastri will walk back his comments or double down remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he’s not backing down quietly.

What Happens Next?

With the next race just days away, all eyes will be on Verstappen and Piastri as they potentially line up side-by-side once again. Will tensions boil over on track? Will the FIA step in to clarify rulings?

Whatever happens next, Oscar Piastri has sent a clear message: no one, not even Max Verstappen, is above accountability.