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FIA Conducts Post-Race Inspection of Verstappen’s Red Bull Following Saudi GP Victory
Max Verstappen’s commanding win at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix drew more than just praise — it triggered a detailed post-race inspection by the FIA. After taking pole position and translating it into a dominant lights-to-flag victory on the tight and high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the Dutch driver’s Red Bull RB20 was selected for a comprehensive examination. The selection was part of the FIA’s standard procedure aimed at ensuring all cars comply fully with Formula 1’s strict technical regulations.
Verstappen’s car underwent in-depth scrutiny in several crucial areas, including both the front and rear suspension dampers, the engine’s air intake system, the charge air cooling system, oil and coolant systems, and various sensors associated with these components. Following the inspection, the FIA released an official statement confirming that all parts of the car were in full compliance. No irregularities or breaches were found, validating the legitimacy of Verstappen’s performance and preserving the integrity of his well-earned win.
The build-up to the race was just as thrilling. Qualifying in Jeddah saw Verstappen snatch pole position by an incredibly narrow margin — just 0.01 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri — with a stunning lap time of 1:27.294. The session was not without drama, as Piastri’s teammate and current championship leader, Lando Norris, suffered a high-speed crash during Q3. Although Norris was unharmed, the incident ended his qualifying run and left him starting from 10th on the grid, making his Sunday race an uphill battle.
Despite pressure from the McLarens and the unforgiving nature of the Saudi street circuit, Verstappen displayed remarkable composure and control throughout the weekend. His performance was a reminder of why he remains the overwhelming favorite to win a fourth consecutive world title. His dominance, both in qualifying and the race, underscored the synergy between driver and machine that Red Bull has honed over recent seasons.
The FIA’s decision to inspect Verstappen’s car wasn’t driven by controversy but rather the sheer dominance Red Bull continues to exhibit. With Verstappen and Red Bull setting the standard, every aspect of their operation faces intense scrutiny from the FIA and rival teams alike. These inspections are critical in maintaining a level playing field and ensuring that success is achieved within the rules.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner addressed the inspection with confidence, emphasizing that such checks are an integral part of Formula 1. “This is routine,” Horner said. “We fully support the FIA’s efforts to uphold the sport’s integrity. We’re pleased, but not surprised, that everything checked out.”
Verstappen’s triumph in Saudi Arabia further solidifies his position at the top early in the season. While the post-race inspection yielded no surprises, it reinforced that Red Bull’s advantage is not only mechanical but also entirely within the legal framework. As the season unfolds, Verstappen’s rivals will need to elevate their game if they hope to challenge his seemingly unstoppable momentum.
