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FIA Summons Verstappen’s Car Ahead of Crucial Miami Grand Prix Weekend
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen has found himself at the center of attention ahead of the Miami Grand Prix—not due to controversy, but because of a routine FIA procedure. The reigning world champion, who arrived late to the Miami International Autodrome, was informed that his RB21 was one of several cars selected for the FIA’s standard car display process. The summons came after Verstappen missed Thursday’s media day due to a personal milestone—the birth of his first child with Brazilian partner Kelly Piquet.
Despite his absence from media duties, Verstappen’s participation in the race weekend remains unaffected. According to official FIA documentation, his car, along with those of Pierre Gasly and Fernando Alonso, has been selected for presentation in the pit lane. This is part of a regular display organized at each race weekend, allowing media and team personnel a closer look at the selected vehicles. Each participating team must provide representatives during the inspection and display process to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Though the summoning of Verstappen’s car might raise eyebrows, it’s important to note that this is standard protocol and not indicative of any rule violations or irregularities. Such displays are routine and help promote transparency and fan engagement across Formula 1 events.
The Miami Grand Prix marks a pivotal moment in the 2025 season. Not only is it one of the few sprint race weekends on the calendar, but it also offers a maximum of 33 championship points—a substantial amount that could shake up the standings. For Verstappen, who currently sits third in the drivers’ standings and trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 12 points, this weekend presents a crucial opportunity to close the gap or even reclaim the lead.
A strong performance in both the sprint and the main Grand Prix could see Verstappen leapfrog the two McLaren drivers currently ahead of him. On the other hand, if Piastri continues his impressive form and secures wins in both races, his advantage in the championship could become quite significant. The stakes are high, and Red Bull is fully aware of the importance of this race weekend in shaping their season.
Compounding the urgency is Red Bull’s standing in the constructors’ championship. The team is currently third, a surprising 99 points adrift of the dominant McLaren team. Mercedes also sits ahead, showcasing early-season form that Red Bull has yet to consistently match. The Milton Keynes-based squad will be hoping that Verstappen can spearhead a fightback, beginning in Miami.
Fortunately for Red Bull, Verstappen’s delayed arrival shouldn’t affect his on-track performance. Reports confirm that he landed in Miami around 8:00 PM local time on Thursday, well ahead of the weekend’s first on-track session—Free Practice 1—scheduled for 12:30 PM on Friday. With all sessions still ahead, Verstappen will have ample time to get back in rhythm and refocus on delivering a strong performance during this critical Grand Prix weekend.
