“Stewards Are Pure Corruption”: F1 Slammed for Going Easy on Max Verstappen for Crimes Against Charles Leclerc

Controversy is never far from the start lights, and the Las Vegas GP was no exception. The spotlight fell on Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s star driver, who has found himself at the center of a fiery debate following his maneuver against Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The incident, a dramatic clash of wheels and wills, unfolded at the very heart of the race, Turn 1.

Let’s set the scene: Verstappen, in a bold move, edged Leclerc off the track. The Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was deployed immediately after. In the cockpit, Verstappen was reassured by his team, Red Bull, who expressed satisfaction with his aggressive racing style. But on the other side, Leclerc’s frustration was palpable. He demanded action, insisting that Verstappen wasn’t entirely ahead when the move was made. It’s a classic F1 confrontation: speed versus safety, risk versus regulation.

The Charles Leclerc x Max Verstappen Las Vegas GP duel

How did the stewards react? A five-second penalty was slapped on Verstappen for forcing Leclerc off the track. But was this just a slap on the wrist for a racing transgression? Verstappen’s response was tinged with defiance. “Send them my regards,” he jested. The penalty, seemingly lenient, has sparked a furor on social media, with fans and observers weighing in with heated opinions.

On Twitter, the reactions range from incredulous to indignant. @RobLMyers lambasts the decision as a joke, a mere slap on the wrist for the “Golden Boy” of F1. @MarkBro44301612 goes a step further, implying that the stewards’ actions—or lack thereof—are smack of corruption. In their view, Leclerc is lucky not to have been penalized instead.

Amidst this cacophony of voices, seasoned commentator Martin Brundle added his weighty opinion. Known for his insightful and no-nonsense commentary, Brundle deems the penalty “not tough enough,” hinting at a deeper issue within the sport’s regulatory framework.

Formula 1 remains a sport where passions run high, and every decision can lead to controversy. This incident will surely not be the last to spark debate, but it certainly adds another thrilling chapter to the ever-evolving story of Formula 1.

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The 2023 Las Vegas GP, a spectacle in the heart of neon-lit Las Vegas, saw Ferrari‘s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz dominate the qualifying, but the race itself was a dramatic affair with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen taking the crown.

Fans respond to the Max Verstappen Las Vegas GP conundrum

Max Verstappen clinched victory at the Las Vegas GP, marking a historic moment for Red Bull with their first-ever one-two finish in the world championship drivers’ standings. This triumph wasn’t just handed to Verstappen on a silver platter tho; it came with its fair share of hurdles. The race saw him overcome a five-second penalty. However, Verstappen’s tactility saw him surmount this setback with finesse.

But that wasn’t without its shortcomings, as many people over the Twitterverse believe that the penalty was nothing more than a small hiccup for a major wrong. Here are some of the top fan comments and reactions:

It’s always interesting to see how his competitive spirit shapes each race’s dynamics:

It seems there’s a widespread perspective that Verstappen often receives favorable treatment from the FIA:

The FIA’s role in ensuring fair play is crucial, and such situations often lead to discussions about the consistency and transparency of their decisions:

This comment highlights a strong opinion, as emotions run high in the world of motorsport and fans alike:

This comment went on to even compare and contrast the present with the past, and made some strong speculations:

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In sum, the Las Vegas GP of 2023 was a sight to behold. Verstappen’s triumph, overcoming obstacles and penalties, encapsulates the essence of what makes F1 a spectacle for fans around the globe​.