The FIA have released a decision document regarding Max Verstappen’s penalty at the Saudi Grand Prix this weekend.

The reigning world champion was given a five-second penalty early in Sunday’s race for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, specifically by staying ahead of Oscar Piastri at the first corner.

Why was Verstappen penalised at the Saudi GP?

The FIA revealed that Verstappen could have faced a similar punishment to Racing Bulls star Liam Lawson, who was hit with a 10-second penalty near the end of the race, but mitigating circumstances lowered the punishment.