BREAKING: FIA Stewards Accused of Max Verstappen Bias as McLaren’s Car I…read more

BREAKING: FIA Stewards Accused of Max Verstappen Bias as McLaren’s Car I…read more

 

Controversy is once again brewing in the Formula 1 paddock as 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has accused FIA race stewards of showing favoritism toward reigning world champion Max Verstappen. At the same time, McLaren’s recent surge in performance has drawn attention to a clever technical feature in their 2025 car, described by some rivals as a borderline “trick” within the sport’s regulations.

 

Villeneuve Slams FIA for “Double Standards”

 

In a pointed interview over the weekend, Villeneuve questioned the consistency of penalty decisions in recent races, claiming that Verstappen appears to receive preferential treatment compared to other drivers.

 

“There’s a clear difference in how incidents are judged when Max is involved,” Villeneuve told Vision4Sport. “It’s almost as if he’s driving under a different rulebook. When he’s aggressive, it’s called ‘hard racing.’ When others do it, they get a penalty.”

 

Villeneuve’s remarks come after a string of controversial decisions — or lack thereof — involving Verstappen in recent Grands Prix. In particular, the Dutchman avoided penalty following incidents in Australia and Miami that some believed warranted steward intervention. Meanwhile, several midfield drivers, including Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll, have been handed time penalties for seemingly similar offenses.

 

“It creates a sense of injustice,” Villeneuve added. “If Formula 1 wants to preserve its integrity, the rules need to be applied equally — regardless of the name or the number on the car.”

 

While the FIA has yet to respond to the allegations, the accusations have added fuel to an already fiery debate surrounding stewarding consistency, which has long been a sore point for teams, drivers, and fans alike.

 

McLaren’s Technical “Innovation” Sparks Paddock Curiosity

Away from the political storm, attention is also turning to McLaren’s car, as a clever aerodynamic design element has come under scrutiny from rival teams. The feature, which some engineers have dubbed a “legal trick,” is believed to be offering the Woking-based team improved airflow management and tire temperature control — both key performance factors under the 2025 regulations.

 

Although no formal complaint has been submitted, sources suggest teams like Ferrari and Mercedes are closely examining footage and data to determine whether McLaren’s innovation pushes the boundaries of the rulebook.

 

This development follows McLaren’s recent surge in performance, including a double podium in Miami and a strong showing in Shanghai. Their impressive form has vaulted them ahead of Ferrari in the constructors’ standings, sparking curiosity — and perhaps concern — in rival camps.

 

A senior technical official from one team, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters: “McLaren has found something interesting. It’s subtle, but it’s giving them a definite edge in certain conditions. Whether it’s within the spirit of the rules is another matter.”

 

So far, the FIA has not issued any technical directives or opened an investigation into McLaren’s car, but the situation could evolve quickly — especially if protests emerge during the European leg of the season.

 

Tensions Mount Ahead of Monaco

As Formula 1 prepares for the Monaco Grand Prix, tensions are mounting both on and off the track. Between Villeneuve’s sharp critique of stewarding practices and the scrutiny over McLaren’s car design, the sport finds itself balancing the tightrope of sporting fairness and technological innovation.

 

Max Verstappen, for his part, has declined to comment on Villeneuve’s remarks but has continued to lead the drivers’ standings with measured confidence. Whether the growing noise around him becomes a distraction remains to be seen.

 

Meanwhile, McLaren will be under the spotlight in Monte Carlo — not only for their recent pace but also for the growing question: have they truly out-engineered the competition, or are they skirting the limits of the rulebook.