P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull opted against returning the race lead to Oscar Piastri, with Christian Horner having defended the team’s decision.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner argued against Max Verstappen’s time penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as the reigning champion received a five-second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage after an incident with Oscar Piastri. Piastri had a better start and was beside Verstappen approaching the first corner, with the McLaren driver holding the inside line. The penalty cost Verstappen the race win, raising questions on whether Red Bull should have instructed him to give back the position. Horner defended their decision, stating they believed they had done nothing wrong in the racing incident where Piastri’s front wheel was marginally ahead of Verstappen’s. Despite the penalty, Horner maintained that they acted within the rules and Verstappen had limited options in the tight racing situation.
