Max Verstappen under FIA investigation a…..read more
Formula 1 fans have been served a fresh twist ahead of the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, as reigning world champion Max Verstappen finds himself under the microscope of the FIA. The Red Bull driver, along with McLaren’s rising star Oscar Piastri, is currently under investigation following a controversial incident during Saturday’s final practice session at Suzuka.
The third and final free practice session, an essential prelude to qualifying later in the day, was already off to a rocky start. Once again, the action was briefly interrupted due to a fire on the outskirts of the circuit, with dry and parched grass creating dangerous conditions and drawing out the red flags early on.
When the session resumed, teams and drivers were eager to maximize their limited time on track. That urgency may have gotten the better of some, as both Verstappen and Piastri were seen making a questionable move while exiting the pit lane. According to reports, both drivers cut the queue of cars waiting to rejoin the circuit—an action that is explicitly discouraged under the current race director’s instructions.
As a result, the FIA has announced that Verstappen and Piastri are both under official investigation for failing to adhere to these directives. The stewards are expected to review the incident closely after FP3 concludes, with a decision regarding potential penalties to follow.
The scenario is not without precedent. Just one day earlier during Friday’s practice sessions, both Lewis Hamilton and Lance Stroll committed a similar offense. Though their actions were deemed “unsafe,” the FIA stopped short of issuing grid penalties, instead opting to hand out official warnings. This precedent suggests that Verstappen and Piastri could face a similar fate, though there’s no guarantee, as each case is assessed on its own merit.
The decision could have significant implications for Sunday’s race. While a warning may seem minor on paper, any official reprimand on a driver’s record can add up throughout the season, potentially resulting in harsher consequences later on. For Verstappen in particular, who is gunning for his fifth world title this season, maintaining a clean record is essential.
Saturday’s incident adds a layer of drama to an already intense weekend at Suzuka. The Japanese Grand Prix is known for its high-speed corners, strategic demands, and unpredictable weather conditions, making it one of the most challenging races on the calendar. With Verstappen often dominant on such circuits, fans were expecting a typical showcase of speed and control—but this investigation may cast a shadow over what should be a routine weekend for the Dutch driver.
Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, is still early in his F1 career but has shown remarkable maturity and skill behind the wheel. This incident marks a rare misstep for the young Australian, who will be hoping the stewards go easy on him.
As the FIA deliberates, the motorsport world watches closely. Will Verstappen and Piastri get away with just a warning, or will the stewards send a stronger message ahead of qualifying? Either way, the tension at Suzuka has reached a whole new level, with the clock ticking down to one of the most anticipated races of the season.
