Verstappen apologized to Piastri for first-corner collision

Following a race-deciding first-corner collision with Oscar Piastri, four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen has acknowledged that he apologized to the McLaren driver for the incident.

Having qualified fifth for the season finale, reigning world champion Max Verstappen started from P4 after inheriting the second-row starting spot from Nico Hulkenberg.

The start saw the Dutch driver have a great getaway, overtaking Carlos Sainz for P3, and he was eager to make it past Piastri into Turn 1 as well. However, his ambitious move resulted in a collision, with the pair spinning around and dropping down the order.

The now four-time word champion has acknowledged that he offered his apology to Piastri, but he was not satisfied with the severe penalty that compromised his race at the Yas Marina Circuit.

“My start was good and I went up the inside and then realised it was going to be tight at the apex with Oscar. I tried to stay on the kerb but unfortunately we clipped the tyres and spun which wasn’t great. I have already apologised to Oscar, he is one of the last guys you want to come together with and it wasn’t great.

“After that, we had a tough race and were struggling with tyres as they were overheating. We were just stuck in that position unfortunately so didn’t make it up with the pace. It has been a long season and there wasn’t a lot for us to fight for today.

Reflecting on the year as a whole, the 63-time F1 race winner said that he will now switch his focus on recharging his batteries following the sport’s longest-ever season.

“I’m looking forward to the break, I’m going to switch off, relax and spend some much needed time with friends and family. We have things to work on for next year and already have good ideas but we will see when we get into the car next year.

“We have had an up and down season and McLaren have been very strong from Miami onwards. I want to thank the Team for the season, it has been a long one but we have stuck together and ultimately to come away with a Drivers’ Championship has been fantastic.”