Christian Horner brings onboard evidence to dispute Max Verstappen's penalty as F1 boss says 'let it go'

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner brought onboard evidence to dispute Max Verstappen's controversial penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

On Sunday evening, Formula 1 returned to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit as Verstappen started on pole ahead of McLaren star Oscar Piastri and Mercedes driver George Russell.

As the lights went out, it looked like Piastri got the better start as he drew alongside Verstappen heading into the first corner.

At this point, Verstappen went wide and off the track before regaining P1 as he rejoined.

Piastri was unhappy with the Red Bull driver's move, but the Dutchman argued his case via team radio.

Eventually, Verstappen was handed a 5-second penalty, which he replied with: "Well that is f*****g lovely."

Piastri went on to win the race ahead of Verstappen, who finished 2.8 seconds behind the Aussie.

After the race, it was claimed that Horner brought an onboard picture to dispute Verstappen's penalty.

However, as the Red Bull CEO showed the evidence, an F1 team boss reportedly told Horner to 'let it go'.

As reported by F1 journalist Chris Medland, who wrote on social media: "One team boss (not from McLaren) saw it and said 'Let it go, he was never making that corner'.

"Admittedly, the reason given for the penalty was simply that “Car 81 was alongside Car 1 at the apex."

Speaking on the matter, Verstappen said: "The problem is that I cannot share my opinion about it because I might get penalised. So it's better not to speak about it.

"I think it's better not to talk about it. Anything I say or try to say about it, it might get me in trouble."

He continued: "It's honestly just how everything is becoming. Everyone is super sensitive about everything.

"And then, of course, what we have currently, we cannot be critical anyway. So, that's fine, less talking - even better for me."

F1 will return next month with the Miami Grand Prix, which will take place on May 4.