Kubica: Punishment for Verstappen near miss was 'correct'

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Williams' Robert Kubica did not dispute the 5-second penalty handed to him by the Brazilian Grand Prix stewards for his team's unsafe release into the path of race winner Max Verstappen.

Verstappen pulled into the pits from the lead on lap 22 but was preceded by Kubica who was also undertaking his first stop.

The Red Bull crew swiftly dispatched their driver but as he reached the end of the pitlane the Dutchman was forced to take avoiding action when Kubica rejoined, just escaping a catastrophic clash.

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2019 Brazilian GP

"A good pit stop from the guys," said Verstappen. "I think it was 1.9 seconds, so that was incredible.

"I came out, also Robert came out and he almost took me out, I went into the wall. I almost caught the anti-stall, it was very close."

As a result of the near miss, Verstappen lost a position to Lewis Hamilton, while the stewards' investigation determined that Williams had released Kubica at the right moment, but the Pole was slow to get away.

After the race, Kubica said he had no issues with the subsequent 5-second penalty.

"That is the rule, the punishment was correct since I was released in front of another car," he said.

"It's a pity because I know what it's like when you're in the lead and such things shouldn't happen, especially when we're [Williams] only fighting with each ourselves.

"I can only apologize, I couldn't do anything. I had no idea he was coming."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.