Red Bull Will No Appeal Against Max Verstappen’s Penalties at 2021 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

Red Bull Will No Appeal Against Max Verstappen’s Penalties at 2021 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton

The 2021 Saudi Arabia GP was an eventful one from start to end, that left the fans gripping the edge of their seats. A series of constant safety cars and red flags along the blind corners and fast straights of Jeddah meant that stRrategy and patience paid a huge part in how the race panned out. Eventually it was Lewis Hamilton who reigned supreme despite a damaged front wing, fending off his rival Max Verstappen.

Verstappen had a less than ideal day at the Saudi Arabia GP, his bad luck beginning from the qualification crash itself. He then lead the race after the first red flag incident, with not stopping for the previous yellow flag working to his advantage. However, he gained a five second time penalty for cutting the track and gaining advantage. Eventually he had to give up place to Hamilton, which lead to even more drama.

Post investigation Verstappen was found guilty of brake checking, which lead Hamilton to crash into Verstappen’s rear wing, leading to front wing damage to the Briton’s car. He received another 10 second time penalty, which added to its initial 5 second penalty. Eventually it was Hamilton who took the race and the fastest lap of the race despite damage to his car. Both rivals now stand at equal points with each other in the driver’s championship.

Red Bull Will Not Attempt to Appeal Against Max Verstappen’s Penalties

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen chasing Lewis Hamilton in the Saudi Arabia GP 2021

As the tension between the two rivals increases, it is impossible to keep the drama on and off the track. A disappointed Verstappen after the race said that F1 was more about penalties than it was about racing. “For me this is not Formula 1 but at least the fans enjoyed it. I gave it all today but clearly not quick enough. But still, happy with second,” he said according to espn.

Even though the title fight is now equal, and the championship will go down to the final race of the season, Red Bull have decided against appealing for Max Verstappen’s penalties. Even if the penalties were nullified Verstappen would be in second place, therefore making the need to appeal pointless.

Also read: Max Verstappen: The sport is more about penalties than racing