FIA Thoroughly Inspects Verstappen’s Car Following Dominant Win in Saudi Arabia
Max Verstappen’s emphatic victory at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix didn’t just earn him more championship points—it also prompted a meticulous technical inspection from the FIA. After securing pole position and leading every lap on race day at the demanding Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Verstappen’s Red Bull RB20 was randomly selected for a post-race inspection. Though routine in nature, these checks are vital in ensuring that all competing vehicles remain within the strict parameters outlined by Formula 1’s technical regulations.
The FIA conducted an in-depth review of multiple critical components on Verstappen’s car. These included the front and rear suspension dampers, engine air intake system, charge air cooling setup, oil and coolant systems, and a variety of sensors linked to these elements. After thorough testing and analysis, the FIA confirmed that no irregularities or technical infringements were discovered. Everything on the RB20 was fully compliant, further affirming the legitimacy of Verstappen’s performance during the weekend.
While the inspection itself did not suggest any wrongdoing, the attention surrounding it was largely driven by Red Bull Racing’s continued dominance in Formula 1. With Verstappen aiming for a fourth straight world championship, every element of his car and performance is scrutinized—not out of suspicion, but due to the high benchmark the team has set in recent years.
The race weekend in Jeddah was action-packed from the start. Qualifying provided high drama, with Verstappen narrowly clinching pole position. He posted a stunning lap time of 1:27.294—just 0.01 seconds faster than McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who came agonizingly close to his maiden F1 pole. The session took a dramatic turn when Piastri’s teammate, Lando Norris, crashed into the barriers in Q3. Norris, who led the championship standings entering the race, walked away unharmed but was unable to continue in qualifying. As a result, he started 10th on the grid, putting him on the back foot for the race.
In Sunday’s main event, Verstappen showed why he remains the man to beat. Despite constant pressure from McLaren and the unique challenges posed by the narrow and high-speed street circuit, he delivered a clinical performance. He maintained control from the lights out to the checkered flag, never faltering under pressure and showcasing the precision that has defined his recent seasons.
This performance not only strengthened Verstappen’s lead in the championship standings but also reinforced Red Bull’s position at the pinnacle of Formula 1. The post-race inspection, while standard, became a talking point due to the Dutch driver’s overwhelming dominance. Yet the results of the FIA’s technical checks only highlighted that Verstappen’s and Red Bull’s performance gains remain entirely within the legal and sporting framework of F1.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner responded to the inspection with his usual composed demeanor. “This is just part of the sport,” Horner commented. “We welcome these checks—they’re necessary to maintain fairness and transparency. We’re happy with the outcome and not at all surprised by it. Everything was as it should be.”
Horner’s remarks echo a broader sentiment within the team—that success at this level comes from relentless attention to detail, constant innovation, and a deep commitment to playing within the rules. With no findings from the inspection, Red Bull’s engineering prowess and Verstappen’s driving mastery remain unquestioned.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Verstappen’s victory in Saudi Arabia sets a strong tone for what could be another record-breaking campaign. While rivals like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes continue to push forward in pursuit of Red Bull’s pace, the early signs suggest that Verstappen remains firmly in control. The sport’s governing body will continue to monitor performance across the grid to maintain a level playing field, but for now, Verstappen has proven once again that he is not only winning but doing so cleanly.
In the aftermath of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the combination of Verstappen’s skill and Red Bull’s engineering brilliance is sending a clear message to the rest of the paddock: they remain the benchmark in Formula 1, and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
