Max Verstappen’s ‘disrespectful’ Oscar Piastri act raises eyebrows

Max Verstappen has been called out for a cold act towards Oscar Piastri that has raised eyebrows after the Aussie’s Grand Prix win.

Max Verstappen has been called out over a “disrespectful” act towards Oscar piastri after the Saudi Grand Prix.

The four-time world champion created plenty of headlines for his sour behaviour after Monday morning’s race in Jeddah — and his decision to turn his back on the Australian during the post-race podium ceremony has now raised eyebrows.

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The Dutch driver was blunt during his post-race TV interviews, openly suggesting he didn’t want to speak out of fear F1’s govering body, the FIA, would take disciplinary action if he criticised them in public.

Verstappen was clearly furious after he was hit with a five second penalty when he went wheel to wheel with Piastri at Turn 1 before being forced wide and gaining an advantage to lead the race.

Max Verstappen walked off the podium. Photo: Fox Sports.

While his lifeless celebrations were partly understandable, F1 commentator Jonny Herbert has slammed the Red Bull driver’s behaviour on the podium for what it really is.

“I saw Max Verstappen drink the champagne on the podium and didn’t really celebrate with Oscar or Charles (Leclerc),” the former Formula 1 driver said, according 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.”

Verstappen did pose with Piastri and Ferrari driver Leclerc for photos and did appear to congratulate them, but he clearly didn’t want to be there when it was time to spray the flavoured sparkling water — which replaced champagne in Jeddah because alcohol is strictly banned in the host country.

Many fans and commentators had already raised their eyebrows when Verstappen gave Piastri and Leclerc the cold shoulder in the cool-down room before the trophy presentations.

Keep your enemies closer. Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP.

Herbert, meanwhile, said Red Bull were out of line to question the stewards’ penalty.

The former Sky Sports F1 commentator said the penalty should have been 10 seconds.

Red Bull boss Christain Horner had taken the extraordinary step of bringing printed out photos to his traditional post-race media briefing.

Horner told reporters the photos showed Verstappen was ahead at the turn and should not have had to give up the place because Piastri had pushed him wide.

Herbert says Horner would go back and admit he got it wrong.

“I’ll include Christian Horner in this, too,” he said.

“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.”

Verstappen was certainly gracious in speaking about Piastri after the race.

“I think I’ve said it before, people forget a little bit – last year was his (Oscar Piastri’s) second year. Now he’s in his third year, and he’s very solid,” he said.

“He’s very calm in his approach, and I like that. It shows on track. He delivers when he has to, barely makes mistakes – and that’s what you need when you want to fight for a championship.

“And I think with Mark (Webber) by his side, he’s helping him a lot.

“It’s great. People learn from their own careers – that’s what I had with my dad [Jos Verstappen], and Mark [Webber] is advising Oscar.

“At the end of the day, Oscar is using his talent, and that’s great to see.”

Originally published as Max Verstappen’s ‘disrespectful’ Oscar Piastri act raises eyebrows