Max Verstappen receives ‘disrespectful’ criticism as Cadillac make major announcement – RacingNews365 Review
Max Verstappen has been criticized for his behavior on the podium after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he finished second behind Oscar Piastri. Former FIA steward Johnny Herbert described Verstappen’s actions as “unprofessional and disrespectful” due to his lack of celebration and brief departure from the podium ceremony. Verstappen received a five-second penalty for overtaking off-track and gaining an advantage over Piastri on the opening lap, which ultimately cost him the win.
The Controversial Penalty
The penalty has sparked debate, with some, like Guenther Steiner, former Haas team boss, questioning the FIA’s judgment. Steiner compared the mitigating circumstances surrounding Verstappen’s penalty to an “armed robbery” without bullets, suggesting that if Verstappen was going to be penalized, the full 10-second penalty should have been applied for clarity. Others, however, believe the penalty was justified.
Verstappen’s Response
Verstappen explained his silence on the penalty, stating that he prefers not to speak about it to avoid potential trouble or misinterpretation. He feels that sharing his opinion might not be appreciated or that people can’t handle the full truth. Verstappen’s frustrations were evident, but he chose not to elaborate further ¹ ² ³.
Cadillac’s Major Announcement
Meanwhile, Cadillac has taken a significant step towards its Formula 1 debut, with General Motors being officially registered as an F1 power unit manufacturer by the FIA. Cadillac is set to join the grid in 2026, and GM will become an engine OEM from the 2029 F1 season onwards ⁴.
