Max Verstappen recently displayed a masterclass in making a point without saying much at all, following his excellent performance at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. His subtle but pointed criticism of the FIA’s actions, particularly the recent changes to regulations, was a clear message of discontent with the governing body.
Verstappen, along with his Red Bull team, had been dissatisfied with a penalty he received during the race, which they felt cost him a chance at victory. While such complaints are not uncommon in the heat of competition, Verstappen’s actions went beyond the typical team grievance. After the race, when interviewed, he chose not to discuss the penalty incident. In the official FIA press conference that followed, he made his discontent explicit. Verstappen explained that he couldn’t share his true opinion on the matter due to the risk of being penalized. “It’s better not to talk about it,” he said, making it clear that speaking out could have consequences under the new FIA regulations. He mentioned the large document outlining the rules and the penalties for any comments that could be perceived as damaging or critical towards the FIA.
These new regulations, which came into effect for the 2025 season, include harsh penalties for swearing or criticizing the governing body. The rules state that any words, actions, or writings that could be deemed harmful to the FIA or its members may result in significant fines, ranging from €40,000 to €120,000, with a month-long suspension from the championship for a third offense. The intention behind these changes is seen by many as an attempt to stifle dissent, preventing drivers from speaking freely.
Verstappen’s disillusionment with the FIA has been building for some time. Last year, he was penalized for swearing during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. This was part of a broader push by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to curb swearing among drivers, which he criticized, even drawing comparisons to rap artists. This stance was met with resistance from drivers like Lewis Hamilton, who suggested that the comments carried a racial bias, and Lando Norris and Verstappen, who felt the issue was being blown out of proportion. Verstappen, in particular, expressed frustration with the FIA’s focus on such trivial matters, warning that it might drive him to leave the sport altogether.
The pushback from Verstappen and other drivers has been growing. After the Singapore penalty, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) issued a statement, supporting the drivers’ rights to express themselves freely and criticizing the FIA for treating them like children. They also raised concerns about the transparency of the FIA’s financial practices, particularly regarding the fines collected from drivers.
The FIA’s decision to ignore these concerns only fueled the discontent. George Russell, a GPDA director, made it clear that the drivers were “fed up” with the situation, warning that it was heading in the “wrong direction.” Verstappen’s silence in the press conference was his latest effort to highlight the growing dissatisfaction with the governing body, a sentiment that is likely to be echoed at the next race in Miami.
In the wider context, Verstappen’s discontent reflects deeper issues within the FIA. Recent resignations, including that of FIA deputy president Robert Reid, have exposed a governance crisis within the organization. Reid cited a breakdown in governance standards and the lack of due process in major decisions, while Motorsport UK has raised concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of FIA president Ben Sulayem.
With Verstappen’s frustration continuing to mount, it seems clear that the tension between the drivers and the FIA is far from over. The upcoming races will likely see this issue come to the forefront again, as Verstappen and others continue to voice their disapproval of the new regulations.
