Former Red Bull F1 Sporting Director Reveals Controversial Approach to Jeddah Incident
In a shocking revelation, former Red Bull Formula 1 sporting director Jonathan Wheatley has disclosed how he would have handled Max Verstappen’s Turn 1 incident at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix differently. Verstappen received a five-second penalty for gaining an unfair advantage by cutting across the run-off area to maintain his position ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. The controversial move led to a stewards’ investigation and ultimately cost Verstappen the race victory.
Wheatley, who now serves as Sauber team principal, expressed his disapproval of Red Bull’s handling of the situation, indicating that he would have taken a different approach if he were still in his former role. He suggested that Red Bull should have proactively instructed Verstappen to give back the position to Piastri, thus avoiding the penalty that altered the outcome of the race.
The veteran F1 figure referenced previous incidents, such as the 2021 United States Grand Prix, to highlight the importance of learning from past mistakes and implementing strategic decisions to mitigate controversies. Wheatley emphasized that each racing situation is unique and requires a nuanced approach, despite the existence of overarching guidelines for drivers.
Regarding the corner design at the Saudi Arabian GP circuit, Wheatley noted that the layout could contribute to incidents like Verstappen’s controversial maneuver due to the lack of deterrents for drivers attempting risky overtaking moves. He compared the corner in question to Turn 12 at the Austin circuit, where he believed a different solution was necessary to prevent similar incidents.
While Red Bull expressed frustration over Verstappen’s penalty, McLaren took a clear stance on the matter, asserting that Piastri rightfully earned the position and that Red Bull should have followed their example of sportsmanship. McLaren’s team boss, Andrea Stella, highlighted the importance of fair racing and commended Piastri for his clean and precise driving throughout the season.
The Jeddah controversy continues to spark debate within the F1 community, raising questions about sportsmanship, race regulations, and the ethical conduct of teams and drivers. As the season progresses, the aftermath of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies inherent in the world of Formula 1.