Max Verstappen has criticised Formula 1’s stewards for deciding not to penalise Charles Leclerc mid-race following their Lap 1 clash.
The Dutchman’s hopes of giving Honda a strong home race were dashed when he was punted on the grass by the Monegasque in the opening corners.
Despite trying to continue, Verstappen would soon retire, not long after he had been repassed by Leclerc who had pitted for a new front wing.
“We had a really good start for once, that was positive, and then I just stayed on the outside and suddenly into Turn 2, Charles drove into the side of my car,” he told Sky Sports talking through the incident.
“From my side I don’t think I could have done anything different there. We all know that you lose downforce behind the car so that is not an excuse and I think he is experienced enough to know that.
“The weird thing is initially they didn’t investigate it right away but my whole car is destroyed, the whole side. There are just holes in the side of the car and now they will investigate it after the race. What more should he do to get a penalty?”
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After a year where stewards have trying to let more incidents go as part of a ‘let them race’ philosophy, Verstappen was absolutely sure that Leclerc’s move crossed the line.
“I like hard racing, but I don’t think this was hard racing, I think it was irresponsible driving into Turn 2,” Max stated.
“He had a bad start so for sure he was trying to recover places but there’s only so much you can do. It’s a shame that it happens.”
Offering his defence, the 22-year-old claimed he was simply caught out by the lack of the front grip amid the gaggle of cars.
“I understeered being behind Seb and Lewis [Hamilton] and then we touched,” he told the British broadcaster.
“I don’t know what happened in the full situation from outside and this is what I need to look at, but from the car, it was just a tricky situation.”
Leclerc would go on to claim sixth having completed three pit-stops, including a failed late bid to secure the fastest lap.
“On my side after the first lap incidents and the race we knew it would be very difficult,” he said.
“I had quite a lot of fun overtaking, but this is not the place I wanted to finish, so it’s disappointing, but strategy-wise on our side I don’t think we could have done much better.”
Asked if he expected to keep sixth though, he replied: “I have no idea. As I said I think I need to look at the outside of the car.”