George Russell believes that Max Verstappen should have given back the position the Stewards judged he had gained off track. Had Verstappen done that, he would have avoided getting a time penalty.
Starting from P3, Russell had ringside seats to the incident that unfolded at Turn 1 on the first tour around the Jeddah Corniche circuit. Piastri and Verstappen went side by side into Turn 1, with the Dutchman taking to the run-off as the Australian made his car as wide as possible on the exit of the corner and the entry into turn 2.
Verstappen rejoined the track still in the lead of the race, a lead Red Bull or Verstappen felt the need to relinquish to Piastri, which got the Dutchman handed a 5-second time penalty.
Russell surprised by Verstappen
Discussing the incident post-race with media, including GPblog, Russell saw there was little for Verstappen to complain about. "No, not at all. I was quite surprised he didn’t give the position back straight away, to be honest. Nothing more to say, really."
Fernando Alonso had little to say on the subject, despite noting the 'ease' with which these types of incidents can happen. The Aston Martin driver said, "It seems like it happens quite easily. I didn't see it. I was doing my race. I had no idea."
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