Source: REUTERS/JAKUB PORZYCKI
[Saba Sports News] Controversy erupted in the first lap of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was penalized for leaving the track during a forced overtaking maneuver against Oscar Piastri at the start, receiving only a 5-second light penalty. In contrast, Small Red Bull driver Liam Lawson, who violated the same rule, was severely penalized with 10 seconds. International Automobile Federation (FIA)’s post-race explanation caused a stir, drawing accusations of “star privilege.” The incident occurred at the famous Turn 1 of the Jeddah circuit. Starting from pole position, Verstappen’s start was slightly slow, allowing McLaren rookie Piastri to take the inside line. Broadcast footage clearly showed that when the two cars raced side-by-side into the corner, all four of Verstappen’s wheels crossed the track white lines, and he failed to return to his original position as per regulations. Instead, he continued to pressure his opponent to take the lead. According to the “Driver Code of Conduct,” such violations typically incur an automatic 10-second penalty, but the referee team reduced it to 5 seconds citing “special circumstances at the start of the race.” More controversially, towards the end of the race, Small Red Bull driver Lawson and Alpine’s Jack Doohan committed virtually identical violations, yet Lawson was penalized 10 seconds. Post-race, FIA justified their decision by saying that Verstappen’s incident occurred at the chaotic start of the first lap, which mitigated the severity of the penalty. FIA’s “flexible enforcement” is facing increasing criticism, with several professionals openly calling for “referees to be impartial, or this sport risks losing its credibility.”