FIA announce Max Verstappen inspection results following…read more
In the build-up to the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has officially revealed the outcome of a technical inspection conducted on Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car. The inspection, which took place during the previous round at the British Grand Prix, was part of the sport’s routine checks to ensure compliance with regulations and technical standards.
The scrutiny focused on several components of Verstappen’s RB20 chassis, which had drawn attention following an unexpectedly underwhelming performance at Silverstone. Verstappen started the race from pole position after a strong showing in qualifying but could not translate that front-row start into a podium finish. Instead, the reigning World Champion crossed the line in fifth place — a rare result for the dominant Red Bull driver this season.
The FIA’s inspection aimed to identify whether any irregularities in car setup, component wear, or non-compliance with technical regulations might have contributed to Verstappen’s struggles during the race. As part of its standard procedure, the FIA conducts post-race inspections on randomly selected vehicles, but occasionally focuses on particular cars due to unusual on-track behavior or performance inconsistencies.
During the British Grand Prix, Verstappen found himself trailing not only his closest rivals but also a surprising challenger in the form of Nico Hülkenberg, who brought his Sauber home ahead of the Dutch driver. More notably, both McLaren cars, driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, finished comfortably ahead of the Red Bull, as did George Russell in the Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari.
This result sparked questions from fans and pundits alike, many of whom speculated whether Red Bull had encountered a technical issue or if the RB20’s setup was poorly suited to the high-speed, high-downforce characteristics of the Silverstone circuit. Verstappen himself reported a lack of grip and balance throughout the race, voicing his frustration over team radio as he struggled to keep pace with his competitors. The car’s performance appeared particularly compromised through the high-speed corners where Red Bull has traditionally excelled.
Following the race, the FIA took a closer look at Verstappen’s car to eliminate any suspicions of non-compliance or underlying mechanical failure. The governing body examined key aerodynamic elements, suspension components, and the power unit’s performance data. All findings were consistent with the FIA’s stringent technical regulations.
In the official statement released ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, the FIA confirmed that Verstappen’s Red Bull RB20 was fully compliant with all technical and sporting regulations. No anomalies or illegal modifications were found during the inspection. The report concluded that the Dutchman’s lackluster performance at Silverstone was likely down to setup issues and the strong competitiveness of rival teams rather than any breach of the rules or mechanical failures.
Red Bull Racing, while undoubtedly disappointed with the outcome at Silverstone, welcomed the FIA’s conclusion. Team Principal Christian Horner acknowledged that the British GP highlighted some vulnerabilities in their package and admitted that the team needs to work harder to stay ahead of the rapidly improving competition. He emphasized the importance of learning from such weekends and implementing improvements going forward, especially with the second half of the season now in full swing.
As Formula 1 turns its attention to Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix, all eyes will be on whether Red Bull and Verstappen can rebound from their Silverstone setback. The team remains firmly in the lead of both championships, but rivals like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes are closing the gap — making every weekend critical in the pursuit of both titles.
In conclusion, the FIA’s inspection serves as a reminder of the sport’s strict regulatory framework and the transparency with which it operates. While Verstappen’s result at Silverstone raised eyebrows, the investigation clears Red Bull of any wrongdoing, affirming that their performance drop was purely competitive — not technical or illegal in nature.
