Max Verstappen blasted the FIA and F1, saying that the sport has become a joke at this point.
Verstappen was his own worst enemy in Saudi Arabia. He engaged in some questionable defensive driving against championship rival Lewis Hamilton and paid the price for it.
The FIA handed him a ten-second penalty at the end of it all. He also failed to win the race, which meant that Hamilton evened the points total with one race to go. It is now well and truly set for an epic finale in Abu Dhabi, but not before the Dutchman tore the sport and the authorities a new one.
Verstappen blasted the FIA and F1, and called the sport out for prioritising politics over racing.
“There was definitely a lot of action today, a lot of things happened which I don’t fully agree with,” he said, as quoted by grandprix247.com.
“I was told to give the position back, so I moved off the racing line and slowed down, Lewis just stayed behind me, I don’t understand why he didn’t pass. I don’t agree with the five-second penalty, but it is what it is and we’ll just move on.
“We didn’t have perfect pace in the race, so that’s something to work on looking ahead to Abu Dhabi. We’re on equal points now heading into the final race, it’s going to be an exciting end to the season.”
Fans know best
Despite receiving criticism for his actions, Verstappen was voted Driver of the Day, something he used to take a dig at the FIA.
“Luckily the fans have a clear mind about racing,” he said.
“I’m just trying to race. This sport is more about penalties than racing. I’m pleased the fans enjoyed it and I gave it my all.”
Read more: Christian Horner accuses Damon Hill of swaying public against Max Verstappen