Source – Racingnews365.com
Max Verstappen has commented on Carlos Sainz’s €25,000 penalties for walking across the last corner.
Max Verstappen, never one to hold back, has come out swinging in defense of his fellow drivers, following a controversial penalty handed down to Carlos Sainz at the Singapore Grand Prix. The Dutchman, known for his outspoken nature both on and off the track, blasted what he described as a “super silly” punishment, taking a firm stand against the decision that saw Sainz slapped with a hefty €25,000 fine for crossing the track on foot after his crash during the Q3 session. While Sainz avoided paying the full amount—half of the fine is suspended for the remainder of the season—the decision has left Verstappen and others questioning the logic behind the ruling.
The incident unfolded after Sainz lost control and crashed at the final corner in the early minutes of Q3, bringing out a red flag as a result. Despite the chaos, Sainz crossed the track on foot, attempting to make his way back to the paddock. The FIA, however, found him in violation of Article 26.7 b) of the sporting regulations, which explicitly forbids a driver from being on the circuit on foot without express permission. The fine quickly sparked debate, with many wondering if the sanction was truly necessary in this context.
Verstappen, never one to shy away from sharing his opinion, was quick to express his frustration with the FIA’s decision, particularly in light of his own recent punishment. The reigning F1 champion found himself at the center of controversy after being penalized for swearing during the FIA drivers’ press conference in Singapore, earning a public service obligation as a result. It was a punishment that not only irked Verstappen but also prompted seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to call it a “joke.”
In his comments, Verstappen made it clear that he found the penalties, particularly the one imposed on Sainz, to be unnecessarily harsh. Speaking to select media, Verstappen questioned the rationale behind the FIA’s decision to fine Sainz for crossing the track, despite the fact that the session had been red-flagged and all drivers were bringing their cars into the pit lane. “Carlos got a fine for crossing the track as well, right? I mean, what are we talking about?” Verstappen said. “It’s a red flag. You know, cars are coming in. I think it’s quite safe, and he knows what he’s doing.”
The Red Bull driver went on to highlight what he sees as a fundamental misunderstanding of the drivers’ abilities and professionalism. He insisted that all drivers are well aware of the risks involved and are far from reckless. “Again, like when I saw it, even getting noted, these kinds of things are just, for me, super silly,” Verstappen added. In his eyes, the enforcement of such penalties does little more than undermine the intelligence and competence of the drivers, who he believes are more than capable of assessing the situation and making safe decisions without the need for draconian measures.
Verstappen’s comments reflect a broader concern that the FIA has become too rigid in its interpretation of the rules, leaving little room for nuance or common sense. For Verstappen, Sainz’s decision to cross the track posed no significant risk, and penalizing him for it seemed excessive. The three-time world champion’s frustration underscores a growing tension between the drivers and the sport’s governing body, as many within the paddock have voiced concerns that the FIA’s increasing reliance on penalties and fines is detracting from the essence of racing.
What makes Verstappen’s defense particularly striking is the context in which it comes. As one of the most successful and dominant drivers in the history of the sport, his voice carries considerable weight, not just among his peers but also with fans and stakeholders alike. By standing up for Sainz, Verstappen is, in essence, defending the entire grid, reinforcing the idea that F1 drivers, who operate at the highest level of motorsport, should be trusted to make sensible decisions without the constant threat of punishment hanging over their heads.
Verstappen’s staunch stance comes at a time when discussions about the FIA’s regulatory approach have been gaining momentum. Many within the sport feel that the balance between ensuring safety and allowing drivers the freedom to race has shifted too far in favor of control, leading to a climate of over-regulation. While there’s no denying that safety must always remain a priority, Verstappen’s argument touches on the need for the sport to trust its drivers—professionals who have spent years honing their skills at the wheel of some of the most technologically advanced machines on the planet.
For Sainz, the fine adds a layer of frustration to what was already a disappointing weekend in Singapore. After a strong showing in practice and qualifying, his crash in Q3 abruptly ended his hopes of contending for a top grid position, and the subsequent fine only served to compound the disappointment. However, with Verstappen and others rallying to his defense, Sainz may find some solace in the fact that his actions have sparked a broader conversation about the FIA’s approach to enforcement.
As F1 continues to evolve, the relationship between drivers and the sport’s governing body will undoubtedly remain a central topic of discussion. Verstappen’s fiery defense of Sainz is likely to be echoed by others within the paddock, as drivers increasingly call for a more balanced approach to regulation—one that prioritizes safety without compromising the essence of racing. For now, though, it’s clear that Verstappen won’t be backing down anytime soon, as he continues to champion the cause of his fellow drivers in the face of what he sees as an overzealous approach to penalties.
