Max Verstappen, one of the two frontrunners for this year’s Formula 1 championship, believed he has been  treated differently from other drivers when it comes to the rules on fair racing. The Red Bull player faced three penalties in the Saudi Arabia GP and is on even points with Lewis Hamilton. 

The winner at the Yas Marina circuit will seal the championship. If Hamilton and Verstappen fail to finish the latter will be crowned with the title, owing to one extra race win. 

Also read: Max Verstappen vs Lewis Hamilton: Moments that defined F1 2021

Talking about being treated differently, Verstappen said,” The only thing I ask is that it’s fair for everyone. That’s not the case.”

At Jeddah, Verstappen was given penalties for overtaking while off the track, for forcing Hamilton off the circuit and causing a collision. The Briton won the race. 

Citing two incidents in Saudi Arabia Verstappen said,” For me I was not wrong. Only I was ‘wrong’; other people got nothing. We were both off the track. Somehow they judged it was my fault, which I don’t agree with, and the other penalty as well I don’t agree with. And then afterwards he pushed me off the track and he even looks at me and pushes me off the track edge and he only gets a warning for that.”

Also read: Mercedes back FIA’s call against ‘unsportsmanlike’ driving in Abu Dhabi

Race director Michael Masi on Thursday highlighted regulations that give governing body the FIA the power to take points off drivers if they transgress.

Verstappen said, “I know what’s in the sporting code. There has been nothing added for this weekend.” He added that he would not change his approach to racing for this weekend, despite being penalised in Jeddah.

“Why should I change when others are allowed to race like that? Everyone should be allowed to race like that,” he said.