Internet divided after Verstappen's penalty in Jeddah: Too harsh or makes sense?

For the first time in 2025, the pole sitter did not win the Grand Prix. After Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri locked horns, the Dutchman had to serve a penalty, while the McLaren driver claimed all 25 points.

Piastri had a better start off the line, and was alongside his rival in Turn 1. As a result, as the Australian pushed him wide, Verstappen decided to cut the corner instead.

The Red Bull driver did not hand back the position, and after the safety car left the track, it was announced that he received a five-second penalty by the stewards. After he served that in the pit lane during his single stop, Piastri managed to finish ahead of his rival.

The incident lead to much debate on the topic, both inside and outside of the paddock. While Helmut Marko saw it was a strict penalty, McLaren CEO Zak Brown called it 'appropriate'.

See here how the internet reacted to the four-time world champion's penalty below!.

Here is how the internet reacted to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and Verstappen's penalty

This article was written in collaboration with Estéban den Toom