Max Verstappen Slams FIA Over…. read more
Max Verstappen has sparked controversy following his five-second penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, expressing frustration over what he perceives as an increasingly restrictive Formula 1 environment. The reigning four-time world champion was penalised for leaving the track and gaining an advantage in a first-corner battle with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. That penalty potentially cost him the win, as Piastri went on to take victory.
Despite showing visible discontent during the race through team radio messages, Verstappen avoided discussing the incident directly in post-race interviews. He cited fear of reprisal from Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, as the reason for his silence. “You can’t share your opinion because it’s not appreciated apparently, or people can’t handle the full truth,” Verstappen said. “Honestly, it’s better if I don’t say too much.”
His comments allude to a recent rule introduced by the FIA that penalizes drivers for swearing or criticising the organisation. The policy, pushed by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, outlines consequences such as point deductions or even one-month bans for conduct deemed damaging to the sport’s image. Verstappen, along with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, has already been disciplined under the new rules—he was required to complete community service after swearing in a previous press conference.
During the official press event in Jeddah, Verstappen sarcastically referenced the numerous restrictions now placed on drivers’ speech: “I cannot swear in here, but at the same time, you also can’t be critical in any form that might ‘harm’ or ‘danger’… Let me get the sheet out. There’s a lot of lines, you know?”
Verstappen also suggested that social media and broader cultural sensitivities are contributing to the clampdown on driver expression. “It has to do with social media in general, and how the world is,” he said. “Sometimes your words can be twisted… it’s better not to say too much.”
The penalty stemmed from Verstappen cutting the chicane at Turn 1 while defending his lead from Piastri, who had successfully placed his car alongside on the inside line. According to F1’s driving standards guidelines, Piastri had earned the right to space and the corner. The stewards judged that Verstappen gained a lasting advantage by rejoining ahead and penalised him, though they reduced the usual 10-second penalty to five seconds since it occurred on the opening lap.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner called the decision “very harsh,” questioning the consistency of stewarding with the comment: “Whatever happened to ‘let them race on the first lap?’”
McLaren, however, fully supported the stewards’ ruling. Piastri stated that he had positioned himself legally and within track limits, and McLaren team boss Andrea Stella insisted the situation was clear-cut: “In that situation you can’t overtake off track. This is a clear case. It shouldn’t create any polemic, really.”
After serving the penalty during his pit stop, Verstappen dropped behind Piastri, who went on to manage the race effectively. Despite Verstappen’s superior pace early on, Piastri’s clean air advantage allowed him to maintain the lead and secure his third victory in five races.
