Red Bull breaks silence on stewards strong ‘decision’ against Max Verstappen for 2024 Qatar GP

Max Verstappen will now start P2 behind George Russell after allegedly blocking the latter during the final stages of Saturday's qualifying.

Red Bull breaks silence on stewards strong ‘decision’ against Max Verstappen for 2024 Qatar GP

Max Verstappen and RB20 (via IMAGO)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen will now start P2 after receiving a reprimand from the stewards following the Qatar GP qualifying. He allegedly slowed down and blocked Mercedes’ George Russell‘s final push lap at Q3 on Saturday.

Max Verstappen stuck his car in pole position at Lusail for the first time since Austria this year. While the 27-year-old has been effective lately, he has failed to match the pace of McLaren and Ferrari in recent times.

YouTube video

Team principal Christian Horner has since shared his thoughts on the issue. He has urged Verstappen to keep his head up and perform well despite the penalty in Qatar.

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P2 then, for @MaxVerstappen1 after last night’s stewards decision. Nevertheless, it has been a fantastic turnaround for the team here in Qatar, with Checo starting in P9. A great team effort with Max delivering a brilliant lap to initially put us on pole. Despite the penalty, we’re in a good position for today, so let’s see what we can do.

Christian Horner posted on his Instagram account

George Russell will now be starting in pole position for the second consecutive race since Las Vegas. Verstappen will now try and overtake the Brit during the early stages and win the Qatar GP.

Max Verstappen left frustrated after receiving a grid penalty at the Qatar GP

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen showed some serious pace within the RB20 after a dismal time during the Qatar GP sprint race. He has since revealed his frustration after being reprimanded by the FIA ahead of the main race.

Max Verstappen (via Formularapida.net)
Max Verstappen (via Formularapida.net)

Verstappen claimed that he was forced to brake in the closing stages of Q3 to avoid crashing into the others. He stated that he ‘feels done’ with unusual decisions heading into the final races of 2024.

The fact that I have to go [to the stewards’ office] is already very strange to me. Otherwise, next time I’ll just drive flat out too and pretend to crash [into the other car]. He should have braked. I braked. Just like the cars in front of me. And I don’t want to screw them. I’m honestly a bit done with all of this at the end of the season.

Max Verstappen said (via PlanetF1.com)

Verstappen has been under great scrutiny for the better part of this campaign. He must now keep everything aside and focus on doing the best for his team in Qatar.