Red Bull make unusual F2 comparison after Max Verstappen penalty

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko unusually compared Formula 2 to Max Verstappen's penalty in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. 

Verstappen started on pole position but decided to cut the first two corners, resulting in the stewards penalising him for leaving the circuit and gaining an advantage. 

The Dutchman insisted he was forced off the circuit by Oscar Piastri, who went on to win the race once Verstappen had served his penalty. 

Marko disagreed with the penalty, having seen similar moments in F2 go unpunished.

"We lost the race at the start," Marko told Sky DE. "On the one hand, where should Max have gone? 

"We have seen Formula 2 races and there the same thing happened to two or three drivers. They got a warning. So five seconds is a bit harsh."

The 81-year-old insisted after the race that it was simply a "racing incident" between the two drivers who started on the front row.

Marko explained that he believed Verstappen was ahead of Piastri as they entered the first corner, with the 27-year-old's race having become more about bringing the car home.

"I see it more as a racing incident," insisted Marko. "At the beginning Piastri was in the lead, but at the last brake section Max took over again. It is what it is. 

"The speed was fine and the tyre wear was also positive. You saw it too, overtaking is incredibly difficult. After getting this penalty, we just wanted to bring the car home and take second place."