In recent days, the Red Bull and Mercedes case linked to the 2026 Power Units has generated intense debate across the Formula 1 paddock. In a recent interview, Max Verstappen addressed the topic of FIA inspections and the possibility of technical irregularities among F1 teams. However, the Dutch driver was referring exclusively to the technical checks that are carried out by the FIA after each Grand Prix, rather than to the ongoing discussions surrounding future power unit regulations.
During the season that has just concluded, several disqualifications were issued after the chequered flag. The two most high-profile cases were undoubtedly Ferrari’s exclusion in China and McLaren’s disqualification in Las Vegas. In both situations, excessive wear of the plank led to severe penalties imposed by the governing body. According to Max Verstappen, however, there are several teams that operate very close to the limits set by the regulations, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is permitted.
Verstappen and FIA inspections
The Red Bull driver spoke to ViaPlay once the 2025 Formula 1 season had been officially wrapped up. Max Verstappen focused on an issue that affects every team on the grid: the post-race technical inspections carried out by the FIA. The Dutchman’s comments highlighted what he sees as a critical weakness in the current system of checks.
“In my opinion, if the teams were checked after every single race, half of them would definitely be illegal,” Max stated. Not every car is inspected after each Grand Prix, as the FIA selects a limited number of cars for scrutineering, a process that inevitably leaves others unchecked.
Verstappen was also quick to acknowledge that the responsibility does not lie entirely with the Federation. “On the other hand, it’s not possible to check every car, you would need a lot of people,” he admitted, underlining the logistical challenges faced by the FIA over the course of a long and demanding Formula 1 season.
Nevertheless, Max Verstappen maintained that some teams are able to take advantage of this situation. “You always try to find the limit, we all do. Sometimes everything goes smoothly because you are not always checked,” he added, openly admitting that pushing the regulations to their very edge is part of the competitive DNA of Formula 1.
The disqualification of McLaren in Las Vegas effectively reopened a championship battle that was in danger of being decided earlier than expected. Max Verstappen described that episode as an early Christmas present. The penalty imposed on the British team arrived at a crucial moment in the season, with only two Grands Prix remaining and Max Verstappen’s presence at the front of the championship becoming increasingly dominant.
This sequence of events ultimately benefited Formula 1 as a whole, delivering a more exciting and unpredictable end to the championship for fans around the world. Max Verstappen’s comments have since reignited discussions about the consistency and scope of FIA checks, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing debate over fairness, regulation enforcement, and competitive balance in modern Formula 1.
Ultimately, his perspective reinforces a core truth of Formula 1: in a sport defined by innovation and precision engineering, the quest for advantage never stops – and neither does the scrutiny from regulators trying to police it.
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