Max Verstappen: “A stupid decision that will kill our sport”
The driver, ultimately classified fourth, does not mince his words following the stewards' decision, which deprived him of a last-minute podium finish on the track.
The Dutchman thought he was in the right. After starting from sixteenth place, #33 finished third on the track. You had to see his triumphant fist under the checkered flag to understand his joy, following a bold overtake on Kimi Räikkönen in the curve of the 19th turn. But the stewards were clear on this matter: you can’t exceed the four wheels outside!
The floor is, however, given to the defense, based on a very specific argument:
« Everyone takes a wide line on this track, everywhere! In turns 9 and 19, you can go off the track without anyone saying much. »
To drive the point home, he told the journalists present about his maneuver against Bottas: « It was the same thing with him. I tried to overtake him but he continued outside the track before returning to the trajectory. Nothing was taken against him even though he used an advantage! »
« We had a great race but they are killing our sport with this kind of decisions! This is not good for our discipline. They need to be clear about rules that are not used everywhere! »
In the same vein, the Verstappen family expressed their views on their situation on social media. Jos, the father, was very outspoken on the blue bird network.
« It’s crap. Sorry, it sucks! Shame on you, FIA. »
Shame on you FIA
— Jos Verstappen (@MaVic009) 22 octobre 2017
— Jos Verstappen (@MaVic009) 22 octobre 2017
More calmly, Christian Horner nonetheless supported his driver’s remarks. The decision is flawed. We will look into it in more detail, but for me it’s clear, it’s extreme racing. There was poor judgment from the stewards. We see cars off the track all weekend. Penalizing at this point in the race is not fair!
