Max Verstappen critical of Saudi Arabia GP decisions after dramatic race

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

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Verstappen critical of Saudi Arabia GP decisions after dramatic race

Verstappen finished second behind Hamilton after 50 chaotic laps

Ewan Gale

Sunday 5 December 2021 21:30

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Max Verstappen claimed he doesn't "fully agree" with the decisions made by the FIA during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after finishing second to title rival Lewis Hamilton.

The Red Bull driver started third and stayed there until a safety car was triggered by Mick Schumacher's heavy crash at turn 22.

Both Mercedes drivers pitted whilst Verstappen stayed out before red flags were thrown, giving the Dutchman a chance to change tyres for free during the delay.

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At the restart, Hamilton made his way down the inside into turn one only for Verstappen to be forced over the runoff area and back into the lead.

When a turn three incident involving Sergio Perez, George Russell and Nikita Mazepin triggered a second red flag period, Verstappen was shuffled back to third, behind Hamilton and Esteban Ocon, who had made his way past the Mercedes in the meleé.

Verstappen got back ahead with a daring move at the second restart, but Hamilton closed in by lap 37 and made his move to the outside of turn one.

Both drivers went wide and Red Bull told its driver to cede position, only for Hamilton to run into the back with no clue the position was being given to him.

Verstappen was yet again given instruction to give way, with wearing medium tyres giving up towards the end.

"It was quite eventful," said Verstappen.

"A lot of things happened that I don't fully agree with. I tried on track to give it all. I am not sure the tyres were lasting to the end.

"I think it was good at the beginning for the last stint but just lacking a bit of rubber towards the end. Nevertheless, still second."

On the collision with Hamilton when attempting to give up the lead, he explained: "I slowed down, I wanted to let him by. I was on the right and he didn't want to overtake and we touched. I don't really understand what happened there."