Verstappen blasts FIA over 'unfair' Spanish GP ban after...

Verstappen blasts FIA over ‘unfair’ Spanish GP ban after…read more

Jos Verstappen, father of reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, has voiced strong criticism toward a recent regulatory decision by the FIA, calling it unfair as the 2025 Formula 1 season heads into the Spanish Grand Prix. The controversy revolves around a rule change that targets flexible front wings — a development that many believe could significantly impact the competitive balance of the championship.

Despite Red Bull Racing struggling to match McLaren’s exceptional pace early in the season, Max Verstappen remains in close contention in the drivers’ standings. McLaren currently leads the constructors’ championship by a dominant 176-point margin, showcasing their impressive form across the first eight races of the season. However, Max Verstappen, with two wins under his belt, is just 25 points behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ title race.

The new regulation set to take effect from the Spanish Grand Prix will enforce stricter controls on front wing flexibility. This update is believed to primarily affect McLaren, who have reportedly gained significant performance advantages from a more pliable wing design. Jos Verstappen has expressed his frustration over the timing of the rule change, arguing that it should have been introduced at the beginning of the season to ensure a more equitable competition for all teams.

Speaking to Dutch outlet De Limburger, the former F1 driver explained his concerns: “They want an exciting season where no single driver dominates by winning 20 races, making it dull. But there should also be fairness. This new rule on flexible front wings should have been implemented from the start. Some teams have clearly benefited from it for too long, and that’s not right.”

The elder Verstappen’s remarks highlight a broader debate within the paddock regarding the consistency and fairness of mid-season regulatory changes. While the FIA regularly updates technical directives to preserve fairness and safety in the sport, changes during the season often stir controversy, especially when they seem to target specific team designs.

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has also commented on the upcoming regulation shift, hinting it could reshape the competitive landscape. Although Ferrari has had an underwhelming start to the 2025 campaign — faring worse than even Red Bull — Vasseur believes the new rules won’t necessarily change the ultimate outcome of the championship. However, he does expect them to improve competition on a race-by-race basis, potentially allowing more teams to challenge for podiums and wins.

As Formula 1 heads into the Spanish Grand Prix, all eyes are on how the rule change will impact McLaren’s performance and whether Max Verstappen can capitalize on it. With just 25 points separating him from the championship lead, the reigning champion is well-positioned to mount a serious title challenge. If the new front wing regulation disrupts McLaren’s momentum, Red Bull and Ferrari could see a revival in form, making the remainder of the season far more unpredictable and exciting.