The four-time F1 champion started the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on pole.
Max Verstappen gave an X-rated response after he was informed that he had received a five-second penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Verstappen, 27, started the race in Jeddah on pole and is searching for his second race victory of the 2025 campaign.
The Red Bull driver was given the punishment “for leaving the track and gaining an advantage at the start” according to F1.
Shortly after being informed of the penalty by his team via his radio, the four-time F1 champion issued an X-rated response, he said: “Well that is f*****g lovely.”
In the build-up to the race, reports emerged suggesting that Verstappen could leave Red Bull for Aston Martin in a deal said to be worth around $300m.
When approached by SPORTbible for comment, Aston Martin issued the following statement:
“It’s normal for the media to speculate on the driver market, but we have a fantastic driver line-up that we are committed to and who are under contract for 2026 and beyond.
“Our focus is on delivering for Lance and Fernando by giving them a more consistent and competitive car. When we do, they are both capable of delivering great results.