Verstappen blasts stewards over time penalty
- Published on 02 Sep 2018 18:00
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Max Verstappen was left disgruntled after the Italian Grand Prix following a 5-second time penalty which cost him a spot on the podium. The Dutchman was battling with Valtteri Bottas for the entire race for the final step on the podium.
In the later stages of the race, the two made contact heading into Turn 1. Verstappen hugged the inside line to defend from Bottas, but then closed the line under braking, making contact with the Finn. Bottas cut the chicane and lost a handful of seconds to Verstappen.
However he caught back up with the 20-year-old on much fresher tyres, but didn't pass Verstappen for third place. He needn't have done, as Verstappen was slapped with a 5-second time penalty for his defending. He declared angrily over the radio that the stewards were "killing racing"
After the race, he stated: “We were in a position we didn't expect to be, and I think I gave him a car's width of space on the left of me. Then he basically clipped my wheel and had to go straight.
“So I don't agree, but maybe they took the penalty because in the middle of the race when he first tried to take me, I went a bit wide, maybe that's why they gave it to me. But even then, I think it's not fair, because they gave it straight away. It's a shame, but looking at the positives, the car was working really well.”
Verstappen dropped to fifth place after Sebastian Vettel closed in during the final number of laps. Despite the disappointing conclusion to the race for Verstappen, he took some positives from the Grand Prix, saying that the car was good on its tyres.
"Even though the lack of top speed we have, the car was good on the tyres,” he said. "Of course I had to push a bit harder under braking and in terms of accleration to keep Valtteri behind, so it also takes a bit out of your tyres. But it was still under control.”
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Replies (11)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It was a fair penalty. Just accept it and move on. 'Sides you are no Hammy. You cant get away with everything.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
An cars width was given. There must be another rule in the F1 rulebook something along the lines of "Thou shan't make it difficult for an Mercedes driver." Verstappen is correct they are killing races. Bottas in the faster car made it difficult for himself for trying the overtake at that instant.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
A car's width was barely given. My issue with the move was that he moved toward Bottas during the overtake, thats some dangerous stuff and could end up real bad one day if he keeps doing it.
KyalamiKid
Posts: 146
You might have an issue with that...but it is not against the rules though
(the contact however should have been avoided)
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Actually it is. It is cited as un-safe driving, hence the penalty.
Bhurt
Posts: 320
I've never seen a driver go as sideways in a straight line as Verstappen always does.
KyalamiKid
Posts: 146
I agree with the penalty - but just to stir the pot.
The rule says, you can move back under braking, but you have to leave the opponent a car's width .. pbs.twimg.com/media/DmGF68CXgAE_BOY.jpg:large Not sure if the link works, but F1 tweeted a pic of Bottas and Verstappen at the point of contact, and both drivers are still on track... one could argue there was a car's width there for Bottas ;)
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
What a brat! Sad to see him disrespecting the sport with that mouth of his. His prima donna attitude isn't helping his career at all. If he would have just got on with the job and let Bottas by he had a good chance of keeping 5 seconds ahead of Vettel for 4th and more points for the team.
KyalamiKid
Posts: 146
and the team needs these points because? RB will never catch Ferrari, and there is no threat from the back either. Verstappen will most probably end 5th in the title race, otherwise 6th, either way, it doesnt count for a racing driver.
I think the penalty wasnt too harsh, but also agree with him not letting Bottas pass. Track position is always best, Bottas could have made an error trying to stupidly overtake Verstappen, that was at that point his only chance to reach the podium.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
I saw someone in an slower car holding his position and getting penalized for this. Other drivers had done far worse and not getting a penalty. Love his attitude and the fact he did not let him by. Bottas should have been able to make an clean overtake instead of that clumsy failed attempt. But he didn't and needed marshall intervention to generate an artificial over. No prima donna attitude in my opinion just an far superior driver who got his podium spot snatched by double standards.
Patentprutser
Posts: 388
It was a riscy action of Max. Why did bezause nog back of. He was never able to make it. The green patch is race track also ...