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FIA Releases Official Statement on Verstappen Penalty as Horner Produces New Evidence
In a dramatic turn of events ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the FIA has released an official statement addressing the controversial penalty handed to reigning world champion Max Verstappen during last weekend’s race in Shanghai. The statement comes after Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner submitted new evidence aimed at overturning the decision.
Verstappen was handed a five-second time penalty and two super license points for what stewards described as “aggressive and unsafe defensive driving” during a high-stakes battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The penalty dropped Verstappen from second to fourth place in the final standings, sparking immediate backlash from the Dutchman’s fans and Red Bull Racing.
Today, the FIA confirmed that Horner submitted telemetry data, radio communications, and onboard footage in a formal appeal hearing on Monday. The governing body acknowledged receiving the materials and stated that “a thorough re-evaluation of the incident is underway.”
In its statement, the FIA said:
“The stewards have reviewed additional evidence presented by Oracle Red Bull Racing in relation to the incident involving Car 1 during the Chinese Grand Prix. While the original decision was made with the information available at the time, the FIA is committed to fairness and transparency and has agreed to reassess the case based on this new data.”
Christian Horner, speaking to reporters in the paddock, remained confident: “We’ve always believed Max’s move was hard but fair. The data we’ve provided shows he was in control, within the limits, and responding to aggressive tactics himself. We trust the FIA will come to the right conclusion.”
The potential reversal of the penalty could have major implications in the title fight, with Verstappen currently trailing championship leader Carlos Sainz by just four points.
A final verdict is expected before Saturday’s qualifying session at Imola. Until then, the paddock remains tense as teams, fans, and media await what could be a pivotal decision in this season’s championship narrative.
