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Kimi Raikkonen has revealed that he didn't know why Max Verstappen was penalised following the US Grand Prix. Verstappen overtook Raikkonen on the final lap but was deemed to have cut Turn 17 in the process, which saw him being handed a 5-second time penalty.
Raikkonen was then ushered to the podium room after believing that he had finished the race in fourth place. Speaking after the Grand Prix, the Iceman said he was confused over why he was brought to the podium room, not knowing Verstappen had been penalised.
"I have no idea what happened with Verstappen or why he got the penalty," said Raikkonen. "I had no idea what happened to him apart from he got past me at the second-last corner. Obviously I was disappointed just after the race when I thought I had finished fourth but there was some issue with Max. I got to go on the podium but didn't see it, I don't know where he went."
Raikkonen recorded his fifth podium finish of the season, which tips him over the four he racked up in 2016. The 37-year-old admitted that he was taken by surprise when he saw the Dutchman sailing past on the inside of Turn 17.
"Obviously I was half surprised. I saw him in my mirror and tried to slow down the whole thing before, the previous corners, and I thought I had enough covering on the corner, and then suddenly he was there. I saw in my mirror and I was a bit surprised, at that speed – I was a bit pissed off he got past me."
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (4)
Login to replyajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
You can argue he was in violation of the rules, but or without ignoring a bunch of people who had been doing it all day. That's why I don't like the penalty was given. Furthermore it robbed us from a great moment. Finally, I am not sure how much of an advantage it was to drive off the racing line over kerbs. It was such a risky and brave move
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Great drivers == great moments.
Regardless were you stand on this.
dr002
Posts: 141
Verstappen earned that corner! He had taken the risk of a 2nd tyre change late in the race, he had fought hard to get back behind Raikkonen, he had superior grip as a result of the risk he had taken, had he not given Raikkonen more room he would still likely have got the job done, and in any case, track limits had been breached all day. That kind of dynamic committed racing should be rewarded, heralded! Not bloody penalised!!
Patentprutser
Posts: 388
We didn't get it either, Kimi! Max deserved the podium.