Max Verstappen aims another jab at FIA as Red Bull star furious in Saudi Arabia

called out the 's clampdown on driver language after the , suggesting that he and other F1 stars are 'not allowed to express their opinions' without risks of fines from the sport's governing body. The reigning world champion found himself in hot water with the stewards after he was perceived to have 'left the track and gained an advantage' on the opening lap of the race in Jeddah.

The Dutchman took to the run-off area after attempting to hold position from Oscar Piastri around the outside of Turn One. When he came back onto the circuit ahead of Piastri, Verstappen opted against handing the position back to the McLaren driver and instead scampered off up the road. The stewards decided that a five-second time penalty was ample punishment, and this ultimately cost him victory as his title rival crossed the line 2.8 seconds clear.

In an interview with F1 TV after the race, Verstappen was asked for his opinion on the incident. He replied: "It's better we don't talk about it, because we are anyway not allowed to express our opinion on that, so.."

The 27-year-old doubled down on this sentiment in the post-race press conference. "The problem is I cannot share my opinion about it because I might get penalised, so it's better not to talk about [it]," he explained. "Anything I say or try to say about it might get me in trouble."

Verstappen then added: "I know I cannot swear in here, but at the same time, you also cannot not be critical in any form that might harm or danger. Then you get the sheet out, there is a lot of lines. That's why it is better not to talk about it because you can put yourself in trouble, and I don't think anyone wants that."

While Verstappen was unwilling to comment about the controversial penalty, the same could not be said for his team principal. Christian Horner arrived in his media session with printed screenshots of his driver's onboard cameras, alleging that the stewards' verdict was a harsh one.

Whatever Horner and Verstappen may think, the situation at Red Bull is clear: Piastri is now a serious threat to the Dutchman's bid for a fifth successive Drivers' Championship title. Heading into the Miami Grand Prix, the gap between the two racers stands at 12 points.

However, Piastri is not getting carried away. Despite moving 10 points clear of team-mate Lando Norris at the top of the standings, the Australian is looking at the bigger picture, and if he continues on his current form, then a sixth career Grand Prix victory looks very possible in the United States.