Peter Windsor Slams FIA for “Shameful” Inaction After Verstappen-Leclerc High-Speed Clash
Former Ferrari team manager and current Formula 1 commentator Peter Windsor has sharply criticized the FIA for what he describes as a “shameful” decision not to penalize Max Verstappen following a high-speed collision with Charles Leclerc during the Spanish Grand Prix. The incident took place shortly after a safety car restart when Leclerc overtook Verstappen on the main straight. At speeds exceeding 300 km/h, the two made contact, yet both cars escaped without damage. Despite the seriousness of the collision, FIA stewards opted not to impose any penalties.
Post-race, both drivers were summoned by race officials to provide statements. The stewards ultimately concluded that neither Leclerc nor Verstappen was wholly or predominantly at fault, choosing not to pursue further action. This decision has sparked backlash, with Windsor leading the criticism. He argued that the FIA failed in its duty to uphold safety standards and ensure consistent application of the rules.
The controversy intensified when Leclerc later admitted he had intentionally moved left in an effort to prevent Verstappen from gaining a slipstream advantage behind the McLaren drivers. This revelation directly contradicts the FIA’s earlier conclusion that both drivers shared equal blame. Windsor took particular issue with this development. “If Charles is now saying, ‘Well yeah, it was basically me,’ then the FIA is wrong in their assessment,” he said on his YouTube channel. “They should acknowledge the mistake, apologize, and take action. You can’t just let a 300+ km/h incident go unchecked.”
Windsor also raised broader safety concerns, highlighting that collisions on the straight pose one of the greatest dangers in modern F1. “The worst accidents in Formula 1 now are going to happen on the straights,” he warned. “There’s minimal runoff, the barriers offer little protection, and the speeds are extreme. That’s why the FIA needs to take incidents like this very seriously and act swiftly.”
While Windsor did commend Leclerc for owning up to his part in the incident and issuing an apology, he insisted that the FIA cannot ignore newly surfaced information. “Now that Charles has come forward and said it was his move, and he’s rightly apologized, it’s time for the FIA to respond appropriately,” Windsor stated.
Further adding to Verstappen’s contentious weekend, the Red Bull driver was penalized 10 seconds for a separate incident involving George Russell. Verstappen was deemed to have intentionally steered into the Mercedes driver, leading to additional criticism and raising questions about his on-track behavior.
As Formula 1 moves toward the Canadian Grand Prix, scrutiny remains on the FIA and its stewards. Many in the paddock and media are demanding accountability for what they see as inconsistent and lenient officiating. GPFans has reportedly contacted the FIA for further comment, though responsibility ultimately lies with the independent stewards who ruled on the Spanish Grand Prix events.
With media day in Canada looming, Verstappen is expected to face tough questions regarding both incidents. Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount on the FIA to revisit its decision and take corrective action to reinforce the integrity and safety of the sport.
