Why Max Verstappen was penalised for Turn 1 move on Oscar Piastri

The polesitter was hit with a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage on lap one of the race

As the lights went out at Formula 1’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri hooked up faster from second on the grid than polesitter Max Verstappen, and the McLaren and Red Bull headed into Turn 1 side by side.

Piastri had the inside line even though his car wasn’t significantly ahead, but Verstappen released the brakes and unloaded the steering to let his car run over the kerb and through the Turn 1 run-off area, returning to the track in the lead.

“He needs to give that back – I was ahead,” Piastri said over the team radio.

In circumstances such as this, it is up to the team to order the driver to hand a position back, or for them to do it of their own volition. Behind the leading duo, Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli also went over the run-off and resumed ahead of Charles Leclerc, but immediately moved over to let the Ferrari past.

If the driver does not hand the position back, they risk a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

This policy was confirmed by former F1 race director Niels Wittich, co-commentating on Sky Germany this weekend.

“We've discussed this topic at length over the years, with all the teams and drivers,” he said after the Verstappen incident. “I think everyone still remembers the 2021 Abu Dhabi finale, where things were a bit controversial with Lewis back then.

Niels Wittich

Photo by: Jerry Andre / Motorsport Images

“It has always been clear: if you leave the track and gain an advantage – which [Verstappen] did, because he kept the position – then that position must be given back. The decision ultimately lies with the team; it’s their call to tell the driver to drop back.

“He’s on the outside and would need to be at least alongside or ahead to justify the move. But he wasn’t. And let’s be honest: if there had been a gravel trap there, he wouldn’t be in the position he is now.

“So it’s better to give up that one position than to risk a five-second time penalty.”

The incident was noted by race control and elevated to the stewards, who duly applied a five-second penalty when Verstappen failed to hand the lead over to Piastri. The Australian eventually won the race.