Piastri reveals immediate Verstappen apology after clash

Oscar Piastri has revealed that Max Verstappen immediately apologised after the race, for causing an opening lap collision. 

The McLaren driver start the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on the front row, but was spun at the first corner by the four-time world champion. 

Verstappen from fourth on the grid, attempted to dive up the inside of the McLaren driver. There was room for the first corner move, but the Red Bull driver veered wide and collided with Piastri. 

Both drivers span, which demoted Piastri to the back of the field. It turned into a miserable race for the Australian, who later received a 10-second time penalty for colliding with Franco Colapinto. 

The McLaren driver did secure a point in P10, whilst Lando Norris claimed victory to win McLaren the F1 constructors’ title. 

In Piastri’s eyes, that is all that matters after a difficult season finale.

“It was a pretty miserable race for myself,” Piastri told Sky Sports F1. “But, of course, the biggest thing today is we would clinched the championship. 

“And it’s a massive credit to everyone at McLaren for what they’ve achieved this year. Couldn’t be prouder of them all. So very, very happy with the year’s work. Obviously, today was tough, but nice to seal the deal.”

The first corner collision was pinned as Verstappen’s fault by the stewards, who did penalise the Dutchman. 

Verstappen received a 10-second time penalty, with Piastri agreeing that the 27-year-old was ambitious with the move he attempted. 

However, he did quickly note that Verstappen apologised to him as soon as the race concluded.

“I mean, probably yes,” noted Piastri. “But he came and apologised straight away, and the stewards deemed it was a penalty. 

“So, you know, we go again next year. Obviously, it was a tough race from then on, but again, we achieved our main target today. That’s all that matters.”

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