Max Verstappen accused of being 'unprofessional and disrespectful' on F1 podium

has been accused of being "unprofessional and disrespectful" following his subdued display on the podium in the aftermath of the . The Red Bull superstar ended the weekend with 18 points after in Sunday's race.

Verstappen started the race from pole position after clocking the quickest time in qualifying on Saturday. He was hunted down by Piastri from the outset and went off the track at turn one in an effort to hold onto his lead. He was ultimately handed a five-second penalty for his actions, with Piastri going on to claim his third race victory of the year to climb to the top of the Drivers' Championship standings.

Verstappen and Piastri were joined on the podium by Ferrari star Charles Leclerc, who finished in third place.

But he appeared somewhat reserved and refused to spray champagne as is customary during the podium celebrations.

And former F1 race winner Johnny Herbert told Beste Online Casino Nederland: "I saw Max Verstappen drink the champagne on the podium and didn't really celebrate [with] Oscar or Charles - it comes across as unprofessional and disrespectful, from a four-time world champion.

"You have to be gracious in defeat sometimes. I don't know how people will argue that it was an unfair penalty.

"The people arguing against it have probably never been in a race car, and definitely not in an F1 car, so they have zero understanding. I'll include Christian Horner in this too.

"I know he's the team principal and he's trying to do what's best for Red Bull, but sometimes you have to just admit you're wrong and give the place back. Most drivers are very aware of when they should give the place back."

Following four successive world title triumphs, Verstappen has been unable to dominate his rivals on the track this season, with the Red Bull car struggling to match the output of the McLaren and Ferrari offerings.

The 27-year-old has exceeded expectations, however, by keeping himself in the mix for title silverware.

Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix and clinched second place at the season-opener in Australia. He currently finds himself 12 points adrift of leader Piastri, with Lando Norris two points ahead of the Dutchman.

The title hopefuls will have a well-earned break from action this weekend, before returning to the track at the Miami Grand Prix at the start of May. Piastri and Norris are the early favourites to claim victory in the US, with Verstappen currently priced as the third favourite to win the race.