Furious Max Verstappen explains Saudi penalty silence

A furious Max Verstappen has explained his lack of answers in the aftermath of the penalty he received in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Pole-sitter Verstappen was handed a five-second time penalty for cutting Turn 1 and gaining an advantage over Oscar Piastri, with whom he shared the front-row. 

Red Bull boss Christian Horner provided what he claimed was photographic evidence of Verstappen being ahead at the apex, with the penalty being served at his sole pit-stop. 

Piastri ultimately won by 2.7s, with Verstappen only giving a brief interview on the grid in the parc ferme top three interviews.

Later, in the official FIA press conference, the world champion explained his silence - and that he felt people "could not handle the truth."

"The problem is that I cannot share my opinion about it because I might get penalised also, so it's better not to speak about it," Verstappen began when addressing media including RacingNews365.

"I think it's better not to talk about it. Anything I say or try to say about it might get me in trouble.

"It has to do with social media in general, and how the world is. 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. So that's what I'm trying to do.

"You can’t share your opinion because it’s not appreciated, apparently, or people can’t handle the full truth. 

"Honestly, it’s better if I don’t say too much. It also saves my time because we already have to do so much.

"It’s honestly just how everything is becoming. Everyone is super sensitive about everything. 

"And what we have currently, we cannot be critical anyway. So less talking – even better for me.

"I know I cannot swear in here, but at the same time, you also can’t be critical in any form that might ‘harm’ or ‘danger’... Let me get the sheet out. 

"There’s a lot of lines, you know? So that’s why it’s better not to talk about it – you can put yourself in trouble, and I don’t think anyone wants that."