Once again, Max Verstappen and the FIA find themselves at odds. The final race of the 2024 season will not only be remembered for McLaren’s return to the Constructors’ Championship after 26 years but also for the ongoing battle between the Dutch driver and the FIA. This clash was marked by penalties and sharp remarks from the four-time world champion during the Abu Dhabi race. Notably, Verstappen, uncharacteristically, apologized to Oscar Piastri for their Turn 1 collision.
The incident involved the front-right wheel of the RB20 and the rear-left of the MCL38, causing both cars to spin. Historically, first-lap incidents have often been treated with leniency due to the inherent proximity of the cars at the start. However, the FIA’s new direction shows little tolerance for infractions, penalizing drivers heavily for incidents that impact their races.
The 10-second penalty given to Verstappen may also reflect the damage caused to a driver still in contention for the Constructors’ Championship. There is little doubt that Verstappen has become a focal point for the FIA, receiving more penalties recently than throughout his decade-long career. As always, Verstappen’s response was blunt: “Do you want to give me 20 seconds? Stupid idiots.” These words, broadcast globally, came from the reigning world champion, publicly ridiculing the sport’s governing body.
After the race, Max was even more forthright, stating that he was unbothered by the possibility of a suspension due to penalty points, as it would give him time to spend with his family and enjoy the arrival of his child. The Red Bull ace shows no intention of bowing to the FIA’s directives. Yet, do the drivers truly understand the conduct rules they are meant to follow? The FIA is undergoing a historic period of significant change, creating widespread confusion.
The drivers’ association has called for greater transparency regarding the FIA’s operations, following the dismissal of Niel Wittich and the promotion of Rui Marques, previously the race director for junior formulae. In this context, Max Verstappen’s on-track actions and off-track comments are a thorn in the side of those responsible for maintaining the credibility of motorsport’s premier category. The penalties imposed on Max highlight the inconsistencies, appearing disproportionate and often inappropriate.
Community service for swearing at his car, excessive in-race penalties, and silence regarding remarks that question the authority of the governing body—it all seems incoherent. It is well known that Verstappen is no saint, as evidenced by his career history. Nevertheless, the FIA’s approach to handling his behavior has been inadequate, merely punishing without addressing the underlying issues.
The FIA punishes Verstappen but struggles to manage Formula 1
Reportedly, the “community service” punishment for Max Verstappen’s inappropriate language during the Singapore Grand Prix media session will involve him working with young drivers from the RAC (Rwanda Automobile Club) development program in Rwanda on December 13. On the same day, Max Verstappen will attend the FIA Awards ceremony alongside other 2024 season participants, with the event taking place in the African country.
When the solution worsens the problem. In the past, drivers’ misconduct, even by the most celebrated, was met with meaningful repercussions. For instance, Balestre didn’t hesitate to revoke Ayrton Senna’s super license in 1989 after the Brazilian’s fiery comments against the French president’s tenure and his friendship with Alain Prost. Similarly, Verstappen’s boldness puts the FIA in a tough spot, exposing the governing body to ridicule when it should assert authority.
Effective penalty management—both in terms of application and severity—is crucial. This is what the FIA should focus on. Under the leadership of former Emirati rally driver Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the organization seems inadequate across all areas it oversees—sporting, financial, technical, and disciplinary—at least concerning Formula 1. Verstappen merely adds salt to an already festering wound. It will be intriguing to see whether anything changes over the winter to improve the situation for the 2025 championship.
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