Red Bull Stand Firm on Verstappen Penalty Protest as Website Blunder Surface
April 26, 2025 – The fallout from last weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix continues to generate headlines, with Red Bull Racing officially confirming their decision regarding a potential protest against the controversial penalty handed to their star driver, Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, an embarrassing blunder has been spotted on the team’s official website, adding an unexpected twist to the F1 news cycle today.
Following the race in Jeddah, where Verstappen was handed a five-second penalty for allegedly gaining an advantage off track while battling with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri on the opening lap, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner had indicated that the team was considering a formal protest. Verstappen himself voiced his frustration over the stewards’ decision, which ultimately cost him the race win, with Piastri taking the victory.
However, Red Bull has now confirmed that they will not be proceeding with a formal protest against the penalty. Sources indicate that the team concluded there was no significant new evidence available that would meet the FIA’s criteria for a right of review. Helmut Marko, speaking to Austrian media, echoed this sentiment, stating that while they disagreed with the “harsh” penalty, all available camera angles were already reviewed by the stewards, leaving no grounds for a successful appeal. Verstappen himself appeared resigned to the decision, stating his focus was now on the upcoming races.
In a separate, somewhat comical development, Red Bull has been caught in an incredible blunder on their official website regarding their four-time world champion. An online competition offering fans the chance to win replica race suits worn by Verstappen and teammate Yuki Tsunoda during the Japanese Grand Prix contained a question about Verstappen’s birthplace. The multiple-choice options provided were Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Spain. The glaring error lies in the fact that while Verstappen races under the Dutch flag, he was actually born in Hasselt, Belgium. This oversight has not gone unnoticed by eagle-eyed fans online, prompting amusement and lighthearted criticism directed at the usually meticulous Red Bull outfit.
Despite the contrasting nature of these two news items, they both highlight the intense scrutiny and constant attention surrounding Red Bull Racing and their star driver Max Verstappen as the 2025 Formula 1 season progresses. While the team accepts the outcome of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix penalty, the website mishap serves as a reminder that even the most successful organizations are not immune to occasional errors.