Oscar Piastri aims team radio dig as Max Verstappen handed huge penalty for collision at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – F1

Oscar Piastri aimed a dig at Max Verstappen who was handed a huge 10-second penalty for a collision at the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 2024 season will come to a close after Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, taking place around the Yas Marina Circuit.

During the first lap of the race, Verstappen and Piastri collided in the first corner after the Red Bull star made contact with the McLaren in a risky attempt to pass on the inside.

As a result, Piastri spanned and dropped down towards the back of the pack, meanwhile, Verstappen dropped to eighth place.

After the incident and an investigation by the stewards, Verstappen was handed a 10-second penalty for causing a collision.

Reacting on his team radio, Australian Piastri appeared to aim a dig at Verstappen.

He said: “Yep, move of a world champion that one.”

Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Martin Brundle said: “It’s so unfair of Max wasn’t it. They are not in the championship. He’s won his championship.

“To put such a risky move, I know it’s the first lap of a Grand Prix, there was a gap, Piastri would he know he would lunge like that? It just wasn’t necessary and hasn’t done Verstappen any good either.”

To make matters worse for Piastri, he was then given his own 10-second penalty after hitting Williams driver Franco Colapinto during the fourth lap.

Argentine Colapinto was left with a puncture as a result of the contact made by the McLaren.

With the F1 constructor’s title on the line, Brundle stated that McLaren’s hopes will now be fully placed on Lando Norris, who started on pole.

He said: “McLaren’s hopes all hang on Norris now. For Piastri to absorb his 10s penalty and make his way through the pack to score strong points, is a tall order.

“But there’s still a long way to go.”