Verstappen Under Fire as FIA Issues Additional...read more

Verstappen Under Fire as FIA Issues Additional Penalty Due to…read more

Just days after being disqualified from the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen is once again at the center of a storm as the FIA announces an additional penalty for repeated technical violations, further intensifying the controversy surrounding Red Bull Racing’s 2025 campaign.

The governing body confirmed late Monday that Verstappen and his team have been found in breach of multiple technical regulations over recent races, triggering a fresh round of sanctions — including grid penalties, points deductions, and the looming threat of a race ban.

FIA Cracks Down on Pattern of Non-Compliance

In an official statement, the FIA cited a “concerning pattern” of infractions, including:

Illegal floor plank wear during the Spanish Grand Prix
Unauthorised setup changes under parc fermé conditions
Failure to submit required telemetry data within FIA deadlines

The additional penalty, which includes a five-place grid drop for the Canadian Grand Prix, was described by the FIA as a warning shot to Red Bull and Verstappen that repeated non-compliance will no longer be tolerated.

“This is not a single error — this is a consistent disregard for the technical regulations,” said an FIA spokesperson. “The sport cannot allow any team to operate above the rules.”

Red Bull Faces Escalating Scrutiny

Red Bull’s handling of recent technical checks has drawn heavy criticism from rival teams and fans alike. Many believe the team has been pushing the limits of legality for weeks, and the FIA’s recent enforcement signals a turning point.

Ferrari’s team boss called the penalties “long overdue,” while a senior McLaren engineer told reporters,

“If this were any other team, they’d already be serving a race ban. Red Bull has been skating on thin ice for too long.”

Verstappen’s Championship Lead in Jeopardy

The additional penalty puts Verstappen’s position at the top of the Drivers’ Championship in serious danger. With Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz closing in, the next race in Canada could see a dramatic shift in momentum.

Revised Standings After Penalties:

Lando Norris – 148 pts
Carlos Sainz – 137 pts
Max Verstappen – 136 pts

Verstappen will now have to start the Canadian Grand Prix from at least P6, with further sanctions possible if Red Bull’s appeal fails or new infractions are discovered.

FIA Warning: More to Come if Violations Continue

The FIA made it clear this is not the end. Investigations into Red Bull’s recent races are ongoing, and officials warned that a race suspension is still on the table if non-compliance persists.