Max Verstappen has apologized to Oscar Piastri following an incident during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Dutchman made contact with the McLaren driver in the first corner after the start, resulting in a spin for Piastri.
Verstappen immediately acknowledged his mistake after the race. “It was my fault,” he admitted. “I was trying to close a gap, but I was too close to Oscar. I’ve already apologized to him. You just don’t want something like this to happen. Especially not with him, because he’s a great guy,” added the four-time world champion.
The Red Bull driver did express his displeasure about the penalty on the radio when he had to stand still in the pits for ten seconds. However, he didn’t want to discuss it further afterwards. “I don’t understand it, but never mind. I’m not going to get worked up about these things. I’m looking forward to a break,” Verstappen sighed.
On top of the time penalty, the newly crowned world champion also received two additional penalty points on his license. This brings his total to eight penalty points. Four more and he faces a suspension. “Well, if I make sure I have twelve when the baby is born, I can go on paternity leave,” Verstappen joked.
