The Battle of Control: Drivers vs Teams in Formula 1

As the race began at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen found themselves neck and neck, battling for the lead. Despite starting from second on the grid, Piastri managed to gain an edge over Verstappen, who momentarily veered off-track to regain the lead.

The Unspoken Rule: Giving Back a Stolen Position

In such situations, it’s not always clear who should give way. However, if a driver leaves the track and gains an advantage, they are expected to relinquish that position. This rule was put to the test when Verstappen refused to hand over the lead to Piastri.

Behind the leading duo, Mercedes‘ Andrea Kimi Antonelli also ventured off-track but quickly yielded to Charles Leclerc, demonstrating the correct etiquette in such situations. Failure to comply with this rule can result in a five-second penalty for track transgressions.

This rule has been a topic of discussion among teams and drivers over the years, with the 2021 Abu Dhabi finale serving as a stark reminder. The incident was clarified by former F1 race director Niels Wittich, who commented on Sky Germany this weekend.

The Final Verdict: A Five-Second Penalty for Verstappen

Wittich explained that the driver is responsible for returning the position if they leave the track and gain an advantage. However, in this case, Verstappen refused to comply, leading to a five-second penalty being imposed by the stewards. Despite the penalty, Verstappen held on to win the race, with Piastri eventually claiming victory.

Photos from Saudi Arabian GP – Race