Why did Verstappen receive Piastri clash penalty?

Max Verstappen received a 10-second time penalty in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, following an opening lap collision with Oscar Piastri.

Verstappen started the race in fourth, directly behind Piastri who took the second spot on the front row at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Both drivers made a good start, but it was the four-time world champion who was sharper off the line.

However, with the small run to the first corner, Verstappen did not have enough time to pull alongside the Australian driver.

Nevertheless, he attempted a late dive on the McLaren driver, with space having been left by Piastri.

Crucially, Verstappen veered wide mid-corner and made contact with his competitor, spinning the pair of them.

Verstappen received his penalty for being judged at fault for the clash, which demoted him to the midfield after serving it.

He did well to recover to sixth-place, whilst team-mate Sergio Perez retired on the first lap. Specifically, Verstappen was in breach of Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2 d) of the FIA international sporting code.

On top of the time penalty, two penalty points were also awarded to the 27-year-old, taking his tally across the past 12 months to eight.

The stewards’ report read: “The Stewards reviewed video and in-car video evidence. Car 1 attempted to overtake Car 81 on the inside into Turn 1, but never got far enough alongside.

“Both cars collided shortly after the apex. The Stewards determine that the driver of Car 1 was wholly at fault and caused the collision.

“Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time."