The FIA’s handling of Max Verstappen’s on-track conduct has come under increasing scrutiny, with critics arguing that repeated leniency has fostered a culture of inconsistency and undermined the authority of Formula 1’s governing body. This sentiment was notably expressed by journalist Fabien Gaillard, who highlighted the FIA’s failure to adequately penalize Verstappen’s aggressive maneuvers, suggesting that such inaction has reinforced problematic behavior that now demands urgent attention.
A prominent example occurred during the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, where Verstappen was investigated for three separate impeding incidents during qualifying. Despite expectations of a standard three-place grid penalty, he received only two reprimands. The FIA later admitted this was an error, acknowledging that both Verstappen and Logan Sargeant should have faced grid drops. This admission raised concerns about the consistency of rule enforcement and the potential for perceived favoritism.
Further controversy arose from Verstappen’s overtaking maneuver on Pierre Gasly, which many fans deemed overly aggressive and deserving of penalty. The FIA’s decision not to investigate the incident fueled accusations of double standards, with critics arguing that Verstappen operates under a different set of rules.
The FIA’s disciplinary actions off the track have also been questioned. Verstappen received a community service penalty for using coarse language during a press conference, while Charles Leclerc was fined for a similar offense. The disparity in punishments prompted criticism from drivers and fans alike, who called for greater consistency and transparency in the FIA’s disciplinary processes.
In response to these concerns, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association issued a statement demanding that the FIA treat drivers as adults and apply rules consistently. The statement emphasized the need for mutual respect and open dialogue between drivers and the governing body to address ongoing issues related to rule enforcement and disciplinary actions.
