Verstappen Silent on Saudi GP Penalty to Avoid Controversy
Max Verstappen has chosen to remain silent about recent race incidents to avoid potential backlash, particularly regarding his penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
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The defending champion received a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage by leaving the track at Turn 1. When asked about the incident in post-race interviews, Verstappen deliberately avoided sharing his opinion, citing concerns about public reaction and misinterpretation.
"It has to do with social media in general, and how the world is," Verstappen explained. "I prefer not to talk a lot because sometimes your words can be twisted or people interpret it in a different way. It's honestly better not to say too much."
Verstappen pointed to increasing sensitivity around comments and the FIA's International Sporting Code, which can penalize drivers for misconduct. This stance follows his previous experience of being sanctioned for swearing during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix, after which he notably limited his media interactions.
The incident in question occurred at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix's first corner, where stewards reduced the standard 10-second penalty to five seconds due to it being the opening lap. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner defended his driver, describing the penalty as "very harsh."
Verstappen's decision highlights a growing trend of athletes carefully managing their public statements in response to social media scrutiny and regulatory restrictions.