F1 NEWS; Sky F1 Pundits CONFUSED by FIA’s Penalty Decision on Max Verstappen After…read more.
Sky F1 Pundits CONFUSED by FIA’s Penalty Decision on Max Verstappen After…read more.
The 2025 Miami Grand Prix delivered drama both on and off the track as the FIA’s penalty decision against Max Verstappen left Sky Sports F1 pundits stunned and questioning the consistency of race officiating.
Verstappen, who had been running strongly in Sunday’s race, was handed a controversial time penalty after an incident involving another driver. According to the FIA, Verstappen was deemed to have gained an advantage by exceeding track limits during a key overtake. However, many, including former drivers and analysts on Sky Sports F1, were left scratching their heads at the decision.
Martin Brundle, longtime Sky F1 commentator, remarked, “We’ve seen similar moves from other drivers today that went unpunished. It’s hard to understand why Max was singled out here.” Fellow pundit Karun Chandhok echoed the sentiment, adding, “The rules need to be applied consistently. Fans and teams alike are left confused when similar incidents are treated differently.”
The penalty ultimately impacted Verstappen’s final race result, dropping him from a podium position to fourth place. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed his frustration in post-race interviews, calling the decision “harsh and unnecessary.” Verstappen himself was visibly frustrated when speaking to media, saying, “I don’t understand the penalty. I was racing hard but fair. It’s disappointing to lose points this way.”
The FIA defended its ruling, stating that stewards carefully reviewed the incident and applied the rules as written. Still, the backlash from media, fans, and insiders suggests growing concerns over the consistency and transparency of stewarding decisions in Formula 1.
As the championship battle tightens, this penalty could prove crucial in the title fight, adding even more tension to an already fierce 2025 season. All eyes will now turn to the next race, where teams and fans hope for clearer, more predictable rulings on the track.
