Max Verstappen savaged: 'Unprofessional and disrespectful'

Max Verstappen has been slated as "unprofessional and disrespectful" for his conduct on the podium following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Red Bull driver Verstappen contentiously finished runner-up behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit after being handed a five-second penalty for overtaking off track and gaining a lasting advantage in their Turn 1 tussle on the opening lap.

When it came to the podium ceremony afterwards, Verstappen clearly showed he was not in the mood to join Piastri and third-placed Charles Leclerc in the celebrations.

After being handed his bottle of sparkling rose water, with alcohol forbidden in the kingdom, four-time F1 champion Verstappen drank a little before quickly disappearing off stage, leaving Piastri and Leclerc to spray one another.

Former FIA steward and F1 driver Johnny Herbert was left far from impressed with Verstappen's dour attitude, regardless of how he was feeling after his penalty.

"I saw Max drink the champagne on the podium and didn't really celebrate Oscar or Charles," said Herbert, to Beste Online Casino Nederland.

"It comes across as unprofessional and disrespectful, from a four-time world champion. You have to be gracious in defeat sometimes.

"I don't know how people will argue that it was an unfair penalty. The people arguing against it have probably never been in a race car, and definitely not in an F1 car, so they have zero understanding.

"I'll include Christian Horner in this, too. I know he's the team principal and he's trying to do what's best for Red Bull, but sometimes you have to just admit you're wrong and give the place back.

"Most drivers are very aware of when they should give the place back."