FIA Stewards Accused of Bias in Verstappen Penalty due to...read more

BREAKING; FIA Stewards Accused of Bias in Verstappen Penalty due to…read more

Former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has sparked controversy by accusing FIA stewards of showing inconsistency and bias in their handling of penalties, particularly when it comes to Red Bull star Max Verstappen.

The 1997 Formula 1 World Champion voiced his concerns following the Miami Grand Prix sprint, where Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for a pit lane incident involving Kimi Antonelli. The penalty dropped Verstappen to the back of the field, severely impacting his points haul. Although he managed to finish fourth in the main race, he was overtaken by Oscar Piastri on Lap 14—who went on to take his third straight win.

Speaking to Vision4Sport, Villeneuve applauded Piastri’s composure and credited his success to both his driving ability and the support system around him, particularly from manager and former F1 driver Mark Webber.

“Oscar seems unaffected by pressure, and having someone like Mark Webber as a guide really helps,” Villeneuve said. “There’s a strong, balanced dynamic between them that’s clearly working.”

However, Villeneuve didn’t shy away from suggesting that Piastri is enjoying preferential treatment from race stewards.

“He’s the paddock’s golden child at the moment,” Villeneuve remarked. “When something happens, he’s less likely to receive a penalty compared to someone like Max Verstappen. That kind of leniency can be a real advantage in a championship fight.”

Villeneuve likened the situation to the 2013–2016 era at Mercedes, when Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were teammates and title rivals.

“It reminds me of the Hamilton-Rosberg days,” he said. “If Nico did something, he’d get a penalty. But if Lewis did the same thing, he often wouldn’t. These small imbalances are part of human nature, and right now, Piastri is benefiting from that.”