F1 star admits Max Verstappen crash VERDICT after controversial moment

Max Verstappen in Vegas — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

F1 star admits Verstappen crash VERDICT after controversial moment

Max Verstappen was involved in a controversial incident in Abu Dhabi

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Saturday 14 December 2024 06:00

Max Verstappen has apologised for a controversial moment late in the Formula 1 season, is has emerged.

The last race of the season saw the Dutchman nominally out of the fight, with his drivers' championship crown wrapped up and Red Bull out of the constructors' title race, but he remained fully committed into the first corner.

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Verstappen collided with Oscar Piastri on the opening lap, as the champion tried to overtake the McLaren at the first corner.

The FIA found Verstappen to be at fault for the collision, and awarded the Red Bull star a 10-second time penalty for the incident.

Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri collided at the start of the Abu Dhabi GP

Max Verstappen was penalised for his move on Oscar Piastri at the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri reveals Max Verstappen reaction to Abu Dhabi GP collision

On the second occasion, the incident was deemed to be Piastri’s fault and the Australian star was slammed with a 10-second time penalty.

Eventually, he managed to fight his way back into the points, and finished the Abu Dhabi GP in a disappointing P10.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race, Piastri bemoaned his nightmare result but also revealed how happy he was that McLaren secured the constructors’.

“It was a pretty miserable race for myself but of course the biggest thing today is we clinched the championship” Piastri said.

Oscar Piastri bemoans woeful Abu Dhabi GP

“It's a massive credit to everyone at McLaren for what they have achieved this year and couldn’t be prouder of them all. Very very happy with the year’s work and obviously today was tough, it was nice to seal the deal.”

When asked whether he believed Verstappen’s move at the start of the grand prix was optimistic, Piastri confirmed it was but also revealed the champion apologised afterwards.

“Probably yes, but he came and apologised straight away, the stewards they knew it was a penalty so we go again next year,” he added.

“Obviously it was a tough race from then on but we achieved our main target today and that’s all that matters.”

Red Bull Max Verstappen Formula 1 Oscar Piastri Franco Colapinto Abu Dhabi GP