Breaking: FIA issues Max Verstappen LATE penalty verdict ahead of….read more 

FIA issues Max Verstappen LATE penalty verdict ahead of….read more 

Ahead of the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, one of the FIA stewards assigned to the event has made headlines by commenting on the recent penalty handed to Max Verstappen during the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. The Dutch driver, known for his aggressive racing style and passionate demeanor, was involved in multiple on-track incidents during the race, two of which were particularly contentious and involved direct clashes with George Russell of the Mercedes team.

Following these incidents, the FIA reviewed Verstappen’s actions and decided to impose a 10-second time penalty along with three penalty points on his super license. The decision was met with mixed reactions from the Formula 1 community, with some defending Verstappen’s competitiveness and others criticizing what they saw as overly aggressive behavior, especially considering the high stakes of the championship.

In Barcelona, tensions ran high for Verstappen. After a difficult start to the weekend and struggling with car balance during the race, his frustration became increasingly apparent. As the laps wound down and the prospect of a strong finish began to fade, Verstappen appeared to take more risks, resulting in contact with Russell that drew scrutiny from the stewards. These incidents reignited a long-standing rivalry between the two drivers, who have a history of both on-track battles and off-track tension.

The appointed FIA steward for the Canadian Grand Prix has now spoken out, offering insight into the decision-making process behind the penalty and defending the ruling as fair and consistent with the regulations. The steward emphasized that while Verstappen is known for his hard racing, there are boundaries that all drivers must respect to ensure safety and fairness. The steward’s comments are likely aimed at defusing criticism about the penalty being either too harsh or lenient, especially given the controversy it sparked among fans and pundits.

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that this steward’s appointment itself has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether past decisions or affiliations could influence rulings during the Canadian race weekend. In a broader context, this has led to renewed calls for more transparency and consistency in stewarding decisions across all races.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari have also been drawn into the conversation, as confusion surrounds recent FIA appointments and decisions, further highlighting a sense of disarray or inconsistency within the sport’s governance. The Canadian Grand Prix now promises not only on-track excitement but also off-track narratives that will continue to develop, especially if Verstappen finds himself in another close battle with Russell or other rivals.