Jeddah, April 20, 2025 – The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix ended on a dramatic note as reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen was handed a controversial 5-second time penalty by the FIA, angering the Red Bull driver. Verstappen, who finished the race in a closely contested position, did not hesitate to exclaim, “THIS IS UNREASONABLE!” when the penalty was confirmed after the race.

The incident in question occurred during a fierce battle with Oscar Piastri (McLaren). Verstappen was deemed to have gained an advantage by going off track to defend his position, a move that the FIA ​​stewards deemed warranted a 5-second penalty. The timing of the penalty announcement, which came after a safety car intervention, fueled controversy, as it prevented Verstappen from naturally relinquishing his position during the race.

Fans and pundits expressed their displeasure on social media, with many calling the decision inconsistent. One user commented: “Verstappen gets a 5-second penalty, an incredibly low penalty considering he can probably avoid it completely. Pathetic from the stewards.” Another post highlighted perceived bias, stating: “FIA stewards give penalties whenever Max is involved. This is bullshit!” Verstappen’s frustration was palpable in the post-race press conference. “I did everything I could to maintain a fair position, and then you get this kind of penalty—it’s just not normal,” he said, echoing his team’s sentiment. Red Bull principal Christian Horner also questioned the FIA’s timing, suggesting that swapping positions behind the safety car would have been a fairer solution.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, meanwhile, defended the FIA’s decision, arguing that the penalty was justified given the off-track maneuver. “The rules are the rules. If you gain an advantage, you have to face the consequences,” Stella remarked. The penalty ultimately cost Verstappen valuable championship points, intensifying the title fight as the season progressed. The posts on X reflected the polarization of sentiment among fans: some accused the FIA ​​of favoring McLaren, while others felt the stewards were too lenient, allowing Verstappen to maintain his competitive advantage despite the penalty.

This incident adds to the ongoing debate over the consistency of FIA stewards’ decisions in Formula 1. As the paddock heads into the next race, all eyes will be on Verstappen and the FIA ​​to see if tensions escalate further. For now, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be remembered not only for its on-track thrills, but also for the fiery off-track drama that continues to captivate the F1 world.