FIA Summon Verstappen’s Red Bull Car After Late Arrival to Miami G… read more
By Sam Cook | Friday, 2 May 2025, 18:02
Max Verstappen’s Red Bull car has been officially summoned by the FIA ahead of the Miami Grand Prix this weekend, amid a flurry of speculation surrounding the Dutch driver’s delayed arrival to the circuit. However, the reason behind the FIA’s request is far more procedural than punitive.
Verstappen, the reigning World Champion and key figure in the 2025 Formula 1 season, arrived late at the Miami International Autodrome after missing the traditional Thursday media day. The reason for his absence was both personal and celebratory: the birth of his first child with Brazilian model and public figure Kelly Piquet.
The FIA, motorsport’s governing body, has since issued an official document explaining that Verstappen’s car — the RB21 — was among three vehicles selected for routine inspection and display. According to the FIA, this process is a standard aspect of pre-race weekend preparations. Alongside Verstappen’s Red Bull, the Alpine of Pierre Gasly and the Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso were also named in the summons.
Despite the dramatic tone the term “summon” might suggest, this process is not disciplinary in nature. Rather, it is part of the FIA’s regular car display procedure, where selected vehicles are showcased in the pit lane for media representatives and authorized paddock personnel. These displays provide an up-close look at the cars’ technical developments, liveries, and component setups, offering insight into each team’s design philosophy for the current season.
This procedure typically takes place before any on-track action begins, allowing journalists and analysts to observe the cars in detail. It also forms part of the sport’s broader commitment to transparency and technical compliance. Team representatives are required to attend, ensuring that any questions about modifications or features can be addressed on the spot.
While Verstappen himself was not present during the early part of the weekend due to his personal commitments, Red Bull Racing confirmed that all necessary personnel would be available for the FIA’s display session. A spokesperson for the team emphasized that this was a routine occurrence and posed no concern from a regulatory perspective.
“Every race weekend, the FIA selects a handful of cars for pit-lane display,” the Red Bull spokesperson said. “It’s part of their standard operations. While Max arrived later than usual, the team has fully complied with the requirements and has provided the RB21 for the designated session.”
Verstappen’s absence from Thursday’s media day sparked speculation online, with fans and commentators briefly unsure whether the driver would participate in the Miami Grand Prix at all. That speculation was quickly put to rest when Verstappen was seen arriving at the circuit early Friday morning, visibly in good spirits and ready to resume his championship campaign.
The three-time world champion did not address the FIA summons directly but acknowledged the media’s interest in his late arrival. “It’s been a special week for me and Kelly,” he told reporters. “Obviously, missing media day wasn’t ideal, but I think everyone understands the reason. I’m here now, focused on the weekend, and grateful for all the support we’ve received.”
This weekend’s race in Miami marks the sixth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Verstappen currently leads the drivers’ standings, closely followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris. Red Bull, meanwhile, is looking to solidify its position at the top of the Constructors’ Championship after a string of strong performances from both Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Pérez.
The Miami Grand Prix has quickly established itself as one of the marquee events on the F1 calendar, blending high-stakes racing with glitz, glamour, and a vibrant fan experience. With Verstappen’s late arrival now behind him and the procedural car display handled, all eyes will turn to the track as free practice begins.
As of now, there is no indication of any regulatory issues concerning Verstappen’s car or his participation in the event. The FIA’s processes continue as scheduled, ensuring all teams meet the same technical scrutiny and media obligations throughout the race weekend.
In the high-paced world of Formula 1, even the most routine procedures can attract headlines, particularly when they involve its most high-profile stars. For Verstappen and Red Bull, however, it appears to be business as usual — with their sights set firmly on another Grand Prix victory.
