Brundle: Verstappen's Mexico Shortcut Was 'Premeditated' and Deserved a Penalty

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle asserts that Max Verstappen's shortcut at the Mexico City Grand Prix's start was a 'premeditated' move, warranting a drive-through penalty. Brundle argues that Verstappen made no genuine attempt to navigate the first three corners, deliberately going wide to gain an advantage.

Why it matters:

Martin Brundle's strong claims highlight ongoing debates about track limits and fair play in Formula 1. If a driver can intentionally cut corners to gain positions without penalty, it sets a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to chaotic race starts and undermining the integrity of the sport. His comments underscore the frustration felt by other drivers who adhere to the racing line.

The details:

• Incident at Turn 1: At the start, Verstappen was alongside Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris. After making contact with Leclerc, Verstappen's RB21 went over the kerbs and onto the grass.
• Brundle's Accusation: Brundle believes Verstappen deliberately positioned his car on the far left, knowing he could cut the corner. He stated, "Max made no effort whatsoever to take turns one, two or three, and that should have been a penalty."
• 'Premeditated' Action: Brundle interpreted Verstappen's actions as premeditated, suggesting the Dutch driver "took the risk on the outside, knowing full well he could just bury the throttle and carry on."
• Skillful Driving, Questionable Intent: While acknowledging Verstappen's "really skilful driving through the grass," Brundle emphasized that the intent to cut the corner was clear.
• Call for Stricter Penalties: Brundle suggested a drive-through penalty as a "proper deterrent to stop the silliness," arguing that such actions make the race chaotic and unfair to drivers who stay on track.

Reactions from other drivers:

• George Russell's Frustration: George Russell, who was also involved in a later Turn 5 incident, was particularly vocal, labeling Verstappen's actions a "f****** joke." Russell quipped that Verstappen's move reminded him of his first-ever go-kart race, implying a lack of genuine racing effort.
• Disadvantage for Adhering Drivers: Brundle echoed the sentiments of drivers like Russell, stating, "I completely can understand those drivers that were minding their business actually staying on the racetrack, going like, 'Well, hang on, I'm losing out here. I might as well have just made my own race track up in the first few corners and gain some places.'"

The big picture:

This incident reignites discussions about how race stewards interpret and penalize actions at the start of a Grand Prix, especially when multiple cars are vying for position. The line between aggressive racing and unsporting conduct is often debated, and Brundle's comments push for a clearer, stricter enforcement to maintain fairness and prevent drivers from exploiting loopholes for an unfair advantage.