Formula One fans have hit out at the FIA for giving Max Verstappen a retrospective 10-second penalty in the wake of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – a punishment that did not change the result of the race. Red Bull star Verstappen finished 16 seconds clear of Valtteri Bottas in second place, even with a five-second penalty handed to him during the race for an incident with Hamilton at turn one, meaning the race will go on to Abu Dhabi next week with the pair dead level in the drivers’ standings. One fan claimed that the title battle is fixed in Hamilton’s favour. On Twitter, the Verstappen supporter wrote: ‘Next race, Max P20 and 10-second penalty, Max has to race with a bicycle. There is just one race left of the incredibly exciting 2021 season, with Mercedes’ Hamilton and Red Bull’s Verstappen neck and neck heading to Abu Dhabi next weekend. As it stands, Verstappen will win the title if neither driver finishes or picks up points in the season finale, with the Red Bull man having won more races this season.

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