Oscar Piastri dropped 17 places during the first 10 seconds of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after he and Max Verstappen made contact in the first corner of the first lap.
The Formula One world champion was later given a 10-second penalty for the infraction, which he described as “bad luck.”
But Piastri was not very impressed by Verstappen’s move and was heard on the radio making what appeared to be a sarcastic comment about the Dutch driver.
“Yes, that’s the move of a World Champion,” said the 23-year-old McLaren driver.
When informed by his team that Verstappen had received a 10-second penalty, Piastri replied: “Good.”
It was a dramatic start to the race, with Verstappen seemingly closing in on the Australian driver, making contact before both spun on the track. Meanwhile, Sergio Pérez was ruled out of the race after being involved in another incident.
Despite making contact, both drivers were able to continue racing, with Piastri going off the track before spinning and facing the wrong direction.
Both drivers were able to continue, although Piastri suffered some minor damage to the front wing. He later entered the pits, but the McLaren mechanics did not choose to replace the part, but instead changed the tires.
“I want to say I was very unlucky,” Verstappen said over the radio after his 10-second penalty was announced.
“I was completely inside before the accident.”
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown confirmed there was “no major damage” to Piastri’s car following his pit stop.
“I think the sanction was appropriate,” he told Sky Sports F1.
He wasn’t getting close to the side. Now we have to (focus) on recovery and Lando looks pretty good up front.
More to follow…