Red Bull F1 News: Team confirm FINAL decision over Max Verstappen penalty protest

Max Verstappen in front of the FIA flag — Photo: © IMAGO

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Red Bull confirm FINAL decision over Verstappen penalty protest

Verstappen was hit with a five-second time penalty at the Saudi Grand Prix

Kevin McKenna

Friday 25 April 2025 09:59

Red Bull have confirmed their course of action regarding the potential review of Max Verstappen's controversial penalty at last weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The Dutchman started the race on pole after producing a blistering lap in qualifying on Saturday, but was immediately put under pressure by Oscar Piastri, who had edged in front going into Turn 1.

The pair went wheel to wheel, before Verstappen briefly left the track and returned ahead of his rival, a decision which FIA stewards deemed to be in violation of regulations, subsequently hitting the defending world champion with a five-second penalty after he refused to give the position back to his championship rival.

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Both Verstappen - who ended the evening in second behind the McLaren star - and Red Bull were furious in the aftermath, with the driver barely able to hide his frustration during a bizarre post-race press conference appearance.

Speaking on Sunday, team boss Christian Horner said they were considering formally protesting the decision, but Red Bull representatives have since confirmed to Autosport that the team 'won't take any further action'.

Verstappen facing uphill battle against McLarens

It has been a mixed bag for Verstappen during the early rounds of the 2025 campaign, with the 27-year-old getting off to a slower start than he is accustomed to.

He sits behind both Piastri and last year's runner-up Lando Norris in the drivers' standings having celebrated just one race win - in Japan - to date, and faces a real fight to retain his crown.

His chances of being on the winning team come December already appear all but over, with Red Bull currently 99 points behind McLaren in the constructors' championship.

Worryingly for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, Verstappen has scored all but two of their total points heading into next weekend's Miami GP, with Yuki Tsunoda still easing his way into the team after replacing Liam Lawson earlier this season.

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Red Bull Max Verstappen FIA Christian Horner Oscar Piastri Saudi Arabian Grand Prix