The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix provided the first real test for the new guidelines on wheel-to-wheel racing in F1. At the center of the incident were Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, with an intense battle from the very first corner, which resulted in a five-second penalty for the Dutchman. A decision that has sparked debate, but that could mark a turning point in how the FIA intends to apply the rules going forward.
Max-style moves will now be punished
At Turn 1, Oscar Piastri attempted an inside overtake on Max Verstappen. The stewards pointed out that McLaren #81 had its front axle at least aligned with the mirror of the Red Bull at the moment of entering the corner—a crucial detail, because under the updated guidelines, this grants the attacking driver the right to the racing line and to be given space. However, Verstappen chose to hold his ground by cutting the chicane, gaining an advantage by going off track.
Those who know Max Verstappen are aware that the three-time world champion always races on the edge of the regulations. He is aggressive, determined, and rarely gives up a position without a fight. Even in this case, Verstappen pushed the boundaries: he defended hard and regained the position by leaving the track, leaving the decision to the stewards.
This strategy has often paid off in the past: the FIA has at times been reluctant to penalize him, setting a precedent. But things have changed. Following increasing pressure from other drivers—many of whom complained about the ineffectiveness of the previous rules against such conduct—the regulations have become clearer and stricter.
Verstappen chose not to comment after the race, aware of the risk of further sanctions from the FIA. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner called the penalty “very harsh,” arguing that “Max can’t just disappear.” But as Andrew Benson highlighted in his analysis for the BBC, the current rules no longer allow a defending driver to keep a position at any cost—especially not by going off track to do so.
The FIA’s message is clear: gaining a position by leaving track limits is no longer acceptable. This time, Max Verstappen’s usual approach didn’t work.
While Max Verstappen may need to reconsider some of his habits, Oscar Piastri comes out of the situation with a lot of credibility. The young Australian showed composure and determination, refusing to be intimidated by the most feared driver on the grid. The message is clear: he’s not just a talent—he’s a real fighter.
Max Verstappen is a champion not only because of his speed but also due to his racing intelligence. It’s unlikely he won’t learn something from what happened in Jeddah. Changing one’s style after years is not easy, but the very real risk of future penalties—in a championship that will be decided by fine margins—might convince him to handle similar duels differently.
The battle with Oscar Piastri may mark the beginning of a new phase in Max’s career: one where clarity of mind must go hand in hand with instinct, and where it’s no longer possible to push the limits and expect no consequences.
One thing is certain: Oscar Piastri has laid the first major building block of his status among Formula 1’s top drivers. And from this episode onward, the 2025 season has taken an even more intriguing turn.
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