“Stewards Are Pure Corruption”: F1 Slammed for Going Easy on Max Verstappen for Crimes Against Charles Leclerc
Follow Us
Controversy is never far from the start lights, and the Las Vegas GP was no exception. The spotlight fell on Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s star driver, who has found himself at the center of a fiery debate following his maneuver against Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The incident, a dramatic clash of wheels and wills, unfolded at the very heart of the race, Turn 1.
Let’s set the scene: Verstappen, in a bold move, edged Leclerc off the track. The Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was deployed immediately after. In the cockpit, Verstappen was reassured by his team, Red Bull, who expressed satisfaction with his aggressive racing style. But on the other side, Leclerc’s frustration was palpable. He demanded action, insisting that Verstappen wasn’t entirely ahead when the move was made. It’s a classic F1 confrontation: speed versus safety, risk versus regulation.
The Charles Leclerc x Max Verstappen Las Vegas GP duel
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
How did the stewards react? A five-second penalty was slapped on Verstappen for forcing Leclerc off the track. But was this just a slap on the wrist for a racing transgression? Verstappen’s response was tinged with defiance. “Send them my regards,” he jested. The penalty, seemingly lenient, has sparked a furor on social media, with fans and observers weighing in with heated opinions.
On Twitter, the reactions range from incredulous to indignant. @RobLMyers lambasts the decision as a joke, a mere slap on the wrist for the “Golden Boy” of F1. @MarkBro44301612 goes a step further, implying that the stewards’ actions—or lack thereof—are smack of corruption. In their view, Leclerc is lucky not to have been penalized instead.
Trending
MET Gala 2024: Travis Kelce Left Awestruck as Lewis Hamilton Steals the Show With Black History- Inspired Look On the Red Carpet
May 07, 2024 10:04 AM EDT
F1 Fans Slam Insecure Fernando Alonso For Playing Race Card Against Lewis Hamilton in Miami
May 04, 2024 08:52 PM EDT
After GF Alexandra Saint Mleux Gets Mistaken as Future Wife, Charles Leclerc Debuts His Son Leo at the Miami GP
May 07, 2024 08:19 PM EDT
“This Is a Joke Right?”: Rebecca Donaldson and Alexandra Saint Mleux’s Endorsement of F1 Academy Leaves Fans Fuming
May 04, 2024 08:09 PM EDT
Lewis Hamilton Steals Max Verstappen’s GF Kelly Piquet’s Thunder Despite Her Bold $30,000 Fashion Statement at Miami GP
May 05, 2024 04:15 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Be happy they didn't give the penalty to Leclerc. Those stewards are pure corruption.
— Mark Brown (@MarkBro44301612) November 19, 2023
Amidst this cacophony of voices, seasoned commentator Martin Brundle added his weighty opinion. Known for his insightful and no-nonsense commentary, Brundle deems the penalty “not tough enough,” hinting at a deeper issue within the sport’s regulatory framework.
Formula 1 remains a sport where passions run high, and every decision can lead to controversy. This incident will surely not be the last to spark debate, but it certainly adds another thrilling chapter to the ever-evolving story of Formula 1.
The 2023 Las Vegas GP, a spectacle in the heart of neon-lit Las Vegas, saw Ferrari‘s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz dominate the qualifying, but the race itself was a dramatic affair with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen taking the crown.
Fans respond to the Max Verstappen Las Vegas GP conundrum
Max Verstappen clinched victory at the Las Vegas GP, marking a historic moment for Red Bull with their first-ever one-two finish in the world championship drivers’ standings. This triumph wasn’t just handed to Verstappen on a silver platter tho; it came with its fair share of hurdles. The race saw him overcome a five-second penalty. However, Verstappen’s tactility saw him surmount this setback with finesse.
But that wasn’t without its shortcomings, as many people over the Twitterverse believe that the penalty was nothing more than a small hiccup for a major wrong. Here are some of the top fan comments and reactions:
It’s always interesting to see how his competitive spirit shapes each race’s dynamics:
Verstappen throwing his usual tantrums again.
— Guccishark (33.3%) 🍌⛩️ (@guccishark_) November 19, 2023
It seems there’s a widespread perspective that Verstappen often receives favorable treatment from the FIA:
Yet again @fia golden boy Max gets let off
— Darren (@f1number1fan) November 19, 2023
The FIA’s role in ensuring fair play is crucial, and such situations often lead to discussions about the consistency and transparency of their decisions:
He should have had a 5 second time penalty for hitting George but its George that gets the penalty despite being ahead of Max at the corner. FIA is corrupt
— Andy Jones (@Andy_wxm) November 19, 2023
This comment highlights a strong opinion, as emotions run high in the world of motorsport and fans alike:
What an arrogant horrible man he is 5 seconds is a joke and then he says give them my regards I can't believe Warwick is still allowed to be a steward
— Wullie Brown (@WullieWb) November 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This comment went on to even compare and contrast the present with the past, and made some strong speculations:
Had that same penalty been applied correctly when Max forced Lewis off track on 1st lap of #AD2021, would Lewis be 2021 WDC as the final gap was 2.5sec#F1xed
— F1WDC2021 (@F1WDC2021) November 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story | How the 2023 Australian GP Chaos Unfolded in Melbourne?
In sum, the Las Vegas GP of 2023 was a sight to behold. Verstappen’s triumph, overcoming obstacles and penalties, encapsulates the essence of what makes F1 a spectacle for fans around the globe.
Edited by:
Akash Pandhare