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Max Verstappen

Did Max Verstappen deserve opening lap penalty?

Max Verstappen received a five-second time penalty following an incident on the first lap of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Verstappen Piastri start incident Jeddah
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Max Verstappen's hopes of victory in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix ended on the opening lap after receiving a five-second time penalty. 

The reigning world champion was penalised for leaving the circuit and gaining an advantage at the opening two corners, whilst battling McLaren's Oscar Piastri. 

Both drivers made a good start, but it was Piastri on the inside who made a better launch from second on the grid. 

Verstappen went off on the outside of the first corner and cut the second turn, before rejoining the circuit in the lead. 

He insisted that Piastri had forced him off the circuit; however, it was quickly deemed by the stewards that it was a punishable offence. 

The incident cost Verstappen victory, as he dropped behind Piastri and into second after serving his penalty during his pit-stop.

Did Verstappen deserve the penalty?

Have your say by voting in the poll below!

Also interesting:

WATCH: FIA explain Verstappen penalty controversy as Piastri takes charge

Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes and Nick Golding, as they dissect the fifth round of the season – the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix!

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