Reigning world champion Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has refused to discuss the penalty he received during the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, saying people cannot handle the truth.
The four-time world champion was given a five-second penalty in Sunday night's race in Jeddah for going off the track and cutting short at the first corner in a battle with McLaren's Oscar Piastre for first place. The Dutchman remained in first place but was dropped to second place after the penalty, where he finished the race.
"You can't say your opinion because it's obviously not appreciated or people can't handle the full truth. Honestly, it's better not to say too much," Verstappen said, according to the BBC.
"Honestly, that's how it's becoming. Everyone is super sensitive about everything. And what we have in the rules now, we can't criticize. So, the less talk - the better for me," he added.
Verstappen said this in relation to the rule change introduced by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) over the winter, so starting this season, drivers will receive harsher penalties if they repeatedly curse or criticize the governing body.
Verstappen was fined last season for drunkenness at a press conference in Singapore and will be required to do community service. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was also fined for drunkenness in Las Vegas.
"I can't swear here, but at the same time, you can't be critical in any way that can 'harm' or 'endanger'... Let me take out a sheet, there are a lot of lines, you know? And that's why it's better not to talk about it, we can get into trouble, and I don't think anyone wants that," Verstappen said.
During a radio exchange with the team, Verstappen stated that he disagreed with the penalty, but was warned to keep his opinions to himself.
Piastre achieved his third win of the season, the fifth of his career, and took the lead in the overall standings with 99 points, ahead of teammate Lando Norris who has 89 and Verstappen with 87 points.
The Formula 1 championship continues on May 4th with the Miami Grand Prix.
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