F1 fans smash the “softest safety car ever” and give Red Bull one, two and Max Verstappen podium
Formula 1 fans were furious at the “softest safety car ever” that helped Red Bull to a one-two at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The reigning constructors’ champions were quick all weekend and were rewarded with Sergio Perez winning the race and Max Verstappen second. But they were also actively supported by the stewards.
Verstappen, who had started 15th due to a drive shaft problem in Q2 of qualifying on Saturday, had climbed up the field anyway, but was massively supported by the failure of Lance Stroll.
CONTINUE READING: Fernando Alonso has lost the podium at the Saudi Arabian GP while George Russell is benefiting
The Aston Martin driver came to a halt after successfully driving his car wide of the track and out of danger. But the FIA amazingly decided to deploy a safety car, which eventually closed the gap between Verstappen and rivals Fernando Alonso and George Russell ahead of him in second and third.
Verstappen was able to overtake the pair relatively easily after the restart, marking a one-two in a row for Red Bull to start the season.
Explaining its decision, the FIA said: “From the initially available camera angles, the exact location of the stopped car (STR) was unclear and therefore the Safety Car was deployed as the safest option.”
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But fans were unhappy with the reasoning and took to social media to slam the decision that helped Verstappen when the Red Bulls were already so dominant in recent years.
One Twitter user fumed: “Can anyone come up with a valid reason why a safety car is needed? Everything that was done benefited RB.”
Another fan tweeted: “The softest safety car I’ve ever seen.”
A third added: “What a terrible reputation in favor of RB… No safety car needed in the long run.”
A fourth pointed out: “It helps Verstappen so they use a safety car.”
Commentator Martin Brundle also said: “It didn’t need a safety car. Nice piece of driving. He has it off the track, marshals don’t have to be on the track.”
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