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Max Verstappen's camp angry at FIA for last lap penalty at US Grand Prix

Max Verstappen was celebrating until he learnt of his penalty - Getty Images North America
Max Verstappen was celebrating until he learnt of his penalty - Getty Images North America

Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, has launched a scathing attack on the FIA following its decision to give the Red Bull driver a five-second time penalty after an audacious overtake on Kimi Raikkonen on the final lap to take P3 and the last spot on the podium.

The Dutch driver made his way through the pack and thought he had got himself on the podium when he overtook the Ferrari of Raikkonen on the final lap. Verstappen had made his way to the drivers' waiting room before being informed and asked to leave the area as the Finn took his place, all of which was caught on camera.

His father, who drove for Benetton and Stewart among other teams, immediately shared his thoughts on social media.

Jos Verstappen - Credit: twitter.com/MaVic009
Jos Verstappen shares his frustration on social media Credit: twitter.com/MaVic009

His son was as equally upset when he spoke to the media. He said: "We had a great race but with these stupid decisions you really kill the sport. I really hope the fans didn't like this decision and hopefully next year they won't come.

“Everybody is running wide, including myself, everywhere. At Turn Nine and 19 you can go wide and nobody will say anything. It was the same with Bottas, I went for a move and he continued outside the track and came back so I really had to pass him and nothing has been done against that when he has gained an advantage.

"It's not good for the sport and they have to be really clear on the rules that it's not allowed anywhere."

United states Grand Prix 2017 | Results
United states Grand Prix 2017 | Results

The general consensus after the race was that it was the correct decision as all four tyres had left the track prior to Verstappen moving up a position. 

It was a disappointing end to the day for the 20-year-old, who had started the race in 16th place after receiving a 15-place grid penalty for using his sixth engine of the season. He was voted ‘Driver of the Day’ after moving up 12 places prior to that overtake.  

Lewis Hamilton won in Austin and while he didn’t win the championship this weekend, he only needs nine points from the trip to Mexico City next week.