Brundle suggests that Verstappen strategically broke the rules in Jeddah

23:21, 20 Apr

bySavannah Lenz

Martin Brundle believes that Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing knew his first lap move was illegal but that they tried to use it to their advantage.

After gaining an off-track advantage and not giving the place back, Verstappen received a five-second time penalty. Brundle gave his opinion on Sky Sports after the conclusion of the race.

He said, “We've discussed this topic at length over the years, with all the teams and drivers.”

Brundle added, “I think everyone still remembers the 2021 Abu Dhabi finale, where things were a bit controversial with Lewis back then."

“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."

Regarding whether or not the move would have been acceptable, Brundle said, "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.”

'He's so clever'

After the race was over, Verstappen was visibly upset. Brundle mentioned that Verstappen "certainly didn’t want to be tempted to say stuff that might get him a fine or upset the FIA as well, but he’s clearly got a different view to the penalty that he received."

Brundle continued, "He's so clever, he's got so much control of the car, that he games the system."

In the end, Brundle thinks that Verstappen took a chance and it fared badly for him.

He concluded, "But he lost out on that throw of the dice."

This article was written in collaboration with Marnik Kok.