Max Verstappen Defends Oscar Piastri: “He Didn’t Deserve That Penalty” — Controversy Erupts After British Grand Prix

Silverstone, England — The 2025 British Grand Prix ended in drama both on and off the track, but one of the weekend’s most heated topics wasn’t about who stood on the podium — it was about a penalty that split the Formula 1 paddock. After a hard-fought race, reigning World Champion Max Verstappen made headlines by publicly defending McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, insisting the Australian rookie was wrongly penalized in what many fans are calling one of the most controversial moments of the season.

The Incident That Sparked Debate

It all began on lap 37. As the rain clouds gathered and tension ramped up, Piastri found himself locked in a fierce wheel-to-wheel battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Going into Brooklands, Piastri made a bold move up the inside, making slight contact with Leclerc’s left rear. Leclerc slid wide, losing position, while Piastri continued. Moments later, the stewards announced a five-second time penalty for Piastri, citing “causing a collision” and “leaving insufficient room.”

The penalty dropped Piastri from a hard-earned P4 to P7 after the race — a bitter result after one of his strongest weekends.

Verstappen Speaks Out

While many drivers avoided comment, Verstappen, who finished second behind Lewis Hamilton, was blunt when asked about the incident. “To be honest, I don’t think Oscar deserved that penalty,” Verstappen told Sky Sports F1 in the post-race pen. “It was a racing incident. He went for a move, there was minimal contact, and both drivers carried on. If we start penalizing this kind of racing, we’ll take the excitement out of Formula 1.”

Verstappen, himself no stranger to aggressive overtaking and controversial moments, added: “We’re always told to let the drivers race. Oscar did exactly that. He was fair, didn’t force Charles off the track, and there was space. Sometimes there’s contact — that’s racing at the limit.”

Support Grows for Piastri

Verstappen wasn’t alone in his support. Soon after the race, social media erupted with fans and pundits arguing the penalty was harsh. Former world champion Jenson Button tweeted, “If that’s a penalty, we may as well tell drivers not to race. Piastri did nothing wrong.” Even Leclerc, the other driver involved, played down the incident, saying, “It was a tight battle. I would have done the same.”

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella was visibly frustrated in his interviews. “Oscar drove beautifully all weekend. These are the kinds of moves we want to see in F1. The penalty is, in our view, extremely tough,” he said. “We’ll discuss with the stewards, but for now, Oscar should hold his head high.”

The Stewards’ Perspective

Race stewards defended their decision in an official statement: “While the move was largely fair, the regulations are clear about leaving a car’s width. The panel deemed that Piastri’s entry left Leclerc no option but to leave the track, resulting in avoidable contact.”

This didn’t satisfy fans or many within the paddock. The debate over consistency in stewarding has been a theme all season, with several drivers and teams calling for clearer guidelines.

What This Means for Formula 1

Incidents like this reignite a long-standing debate in Formula 1: where is the line between hard, fair racing and rule-breaking? For years, fans and drivers alike have wanted stewards to be more lenient and encourage wheel-to-wheel battles. But as the stakes get higher and the margins finer, every decision is under a microscope.

Verstappen’s comments carry weight, given his position in the sport. By publicly siding with a rival, he’s pushed the conversation into the spotlight. “We need to let drivers race and decide things on track,” Verstappen concluded. “That’s what fans pay to see.”

Oscar Piastri’s Reaction

Despite losing valuable points, Piastri remained composed. “Obviously disappointed with the result and the penalty,” he said. “But I gave it everything, and I’d do the same again. We want to race hard but fair. I respect Charles a lot, and we both left the corner. I’m proud of my race.”

Piastri’s maturity at just 23 years old continues to impress fans and analysts. He now sits 5th in the championship, and many predict more podiums — and maybe even wins — are on the horizon.

The Road Ahead

As the F1 circus heads to Hungary, the debate will likely rage on in media briefings and driver meetings. Teams are expected to push for further clarification from the FIA, hoping for a more consistent approach to policing on-track battles.

One thing’s for sure: moments like these are what make Formula 1 endlessly captivating. And if drivers like Verstappen and Piastri keep racing with heart and courage, the sport’s future looks brighter than ever — penalties or not.