F1 SURPRISE: FIA statement confirms disqualification verdict for F1 champion after Azerbaijan GP victory… Read more
FIA statement confirms disqualification verdict for F1 champion after Azerbaijan GP victory
The FIA has officially confirmed that Max Verstappen’s victory at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will stand after his car successfully passed a series of technical inspections. The announcement comes after speculation that the Dutchman could face disqualification, a fate that has befallen several top drivers in recent Formula 1 seasons.
On Sunday, Verstappen delivered a flawless drive from lights to flag, reminding fans of his commanding form during the 2023 campaign. The Red Bull driver controlled the race from start to finish, taking his second straight win after triumphing in Monza. The result marked his fourth victory of the season and the 67th of his illustrious career. More importantly, it keeps his championship hopes alive, although he remains 69 points behind current leader Oscar Piastri with only seven races remaining.
Multiple Pre- and Post-Race Inspections
According to the FIA statement, Verstappen’s RB21 was subjected to several checks both before and after the race in Baku. Pre-race inspections included measurements of the rear wing gurney size as well as temperature readings of the left-hand side and right-hand side front and rear tyres. The FIA confirmed that Verstappen’s car met all required standards at this stage.
Post-race, the governing body carried out further checks on the Dutchman’s machine. These included detailed examinations of the plank and skid wear—areas that have proven decisive in past disqualification cases. Verstappen’s car was one of several selected for scrutiny, with Carlos Sainz, George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Liam Lawson also included in the process. All five drivers successfully passed the inspection, with their results allowed to stand.
The plank and skid wear test is a crucial part of the FIA’s technical regulations. Excessive wear below the permitted minimum has led to penalties and even race exclusions in previous seasons. At the Chinese Grand Prix earlier this year, for example, Lewis Hamilton was disqualified after his Ferrari’s skid block was measured at below the 9mm minimum thickness.
Weight Checks Also Conducted
In addition to the plank and skid inspections, Verstappen’s car was weighed after the race. The FIA confirmed that his RB21 complied with the minimum weight requirements, avoiding a situation that has previously cost other drivers dearly. Both Russell and Leclerc have been punished in recent seasons for falling foul of this rule. Leclerc lost his Chinese Grand Prix result earlier this year after Ferrari’s car was found to be 1kg under the 800kg limit, while Russell was disqualified from victory at the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix when his Mercedes was revealed to be 1.5kg too light.
Given these precedents, there had been heightened anticipation surrounding Verstappen’s post-race checks in Baku. However, the FIA’s announcement confirmed that no irregularities were found, meaning the Dutchman’s hard-earned win stands unchallenged.
Championship Picture
Verstappen’s triumph in Baku adds valuable points to his tally, but the gap to Piastri remains significant. With only seven races left on the calendar, the reigning world champion faces a monumental task if he is to secure a fifth career title. Still, his back-to-back wins at Monza and Baku indicate a resurgence in form that could make the final stretch of the season thrilling.
For now, Verstappen can take satisfaction in knowing that he not only dominated on track but also emerged unscathed from rigorous FIA scrutiny. His Azerbaijan GP victory remains intact, reinforcing his place as one of the sport’s most consistent frontrunners.
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