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FIA

Should FIA instruct drivers to return illegally-claimed positions?

Red Bull was furious with Max Verstappen's penalty in Saudi Arabia, with some questioning if a change is required in the FIA's approach to certain incidents.

Verstappen Piastri start incident Jeddah
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The FIA has come under criticism from some Formula 1 fans following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after Max Verstappen was penalised for an opening lap incident. 

Verstappen bailed out of the opening chicane when battling Oscar Piastri for the race lead, and rejoined the circuit still ahead of the McLaren driver. 

The Dutchman received a five-second time penalty for leaving the circuit and gaining an advantage, resulting in him losing victory at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Red Bull argued that the punishment was unfair; however, the FIA explained why the 27-year-old was penalised. 

In similar incidents in the past, a penalty has not been awarded when a driver has returned the illegally-claimed position, with some having called for the FIA to have instructed Verstappen to return the spot to Piastri. 

In its explanation of Verstappen's punishment, it was outlined that it is not the responsibility of the stewards to get a driver to return a position, although some fans believe it should be.

Should the FIA instruct drivers to return illegally-claimed positions instead of handing them a time penalty?

Have your say by voting in the poll below!

Also interesting:

Join RacingNews365's Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's five-second time penalty is a major talking point, as is Oscar Piastri being a potential match for the Dutchman. Lando Norris' title chances are also explored.

Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!

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