Horner fumes after Verstappen penalty: "It looks like a complete balls up"

Max Verstappen has received a five-place penalty for ignoring a double yellow flag in qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix. Christian Horner says he has difficulty understanding the stewards' decision.

"To be honest with you, we're really struggling to understand it because it looks a complete balls up. The FIA have said play on, the circuit is safe and clear," Horner revealed in an initial comment to Sky Sports F1.

Horner says the team would have informed Verstappen if it was clear that a yellow flag was being waved. "He just didn't see it. He even saw a green light on the right hand side [in the pit lane]," Horner continued.

"It's just a rogue marshall that has stuck a flag out. He's not been instructed to. The FIA have to control their marshalls, that's a crucial blow to us in the World Championship, that is massive at a track you can't overtake at," concluded the Red Bull Racing team boss.