FIA Reportedly Weighing Further Action Against Verstappen Ahead of 2025 Imola Grand Prix
With the 2025 Formula 1 season intensifying, Max Verstappen, the three-time world champion, is once again in the spotlight—this time not for his dominance on track, but for the accumulation of penalties and conduct-related issues. The FIA is said to be closely monitoring Verstappen’s recent actions, raising the possibility of additional sanctions ahead of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.
The Dutch driver’s recent penalty during the Miami Grand Prix Sprint on May 3 added fresh fuel to ongoing concerns. Verstappen was hit with a 10-second time penalty for an unsafe release during a pit stop, causing him to drop from fourth place to a shocking 17th—his first non-points finish in nearly a decade. This latest infraction brings his tally to eight penalty points on his FIA super licence. With the threshold for a one-race suspension set at 12 points within a 12-month period, Verstappen is now just four points away from facing an automatic race ban.
His current situation has drawn significant attention from both the media and F1 insiders. Many within the paddock believe the FIA is under pressure to set a precedent for consistently enforcing rules, regardless of a driver’s status or reputation. Some suggest that Verstappen’s aggressive racing style and growing list of penalties may have led to internal FIA discussions about potentially escalating disciplinary measures—especially if any further misconduct occurs at Imola.
In addition to on-track incidents, Verstappen has recently clashed with the FIA over its updated code of conduct. The governing body introduced stricter rules for 2025, particularly regarding driver behavior and the use of offensive language in public forums. Verstappen has openly criticized the new policies, describing them as excessive and out of touch with the realities of high-pressure competition.
This criticism followed an earlier incident in which Verstappen was fined €40,000 and ordered to complete community service for swearing during a press conference in late 2024. Though the punishment was partially suspended, Verstappen was required to fulfill half the fine and publicly address the issue, which he did with reluctance. His case was one of the first to fall under the FIA’s new behavioral guidelines, introduced to foster professionalism and respect in the sport.
The FIA’s President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has insisted the new rules aim to uphold the image of Formula 1 as a global platform watched by millions. Still, many drivers—including Lewis Hamilton—have labeled the punishments as overly harsh, calling for the FIA to consider more balanced approaches.
As the grid prepares for the Imola GP, all eyes are on Verstappen. Another incident—whether on track or in the media room—could tip the scale. For Red Bull Racing, the risk of losing their lead driver to suspension during a tightly contested season would be a major blow. With so much at stake, Verstappen will need to keep both his driving and his temper in check this weekend.
