Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has voiced frustration with what he perceives as an overly “politically correct” direction in the sport, citing recent FIA regulations as making it “less enjoyable.”
The outspoken Red Bull driver became a lightning rod for the issue earlier this season after receiving a penalty for breaking Article 12.2.1k of the International Sporting Code. Verstappen was slapped with a one-day community service order for swearing while describing his car’s setup woes during a press conference.
“The Car Was F***” Sparks Controversy**
The incident that landed Verstappen in hot water occurred in Baku when he bluntly declared, “I knew the car was f*****,” during a post-session media interaction. The FIA’s response triggered immediate backlash from drivers and fans, with Verstappen retaliating by delivering curt, one-word answers in subsequent press engagements.
“I don’t know, man,” Verstappen said when later asked about the penalty. “You always have to be politically correct. That’s always been the case, but with some of the things that have come in lately, it makes it a little bit less enjoyable.”
FIA Cracks Down on Driver Behavior
The FIA’s recent crackdown on language and behavior has sparked wider debate among the paddock. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also faced punishment under the same regulation during the Mexico Grand Prix, though he escaped with a fine after issuing a formal apology.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), chaired by Alexander Wurz and represented by directors like George Russell, responded by urging FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to reconsider the tone and frequency of driver reprimands.
The GPDA’s statement emphasized that overregulation could erode the authenticity that fans love about F1’s personalities, saying: “Drivers are human beings, not robots. Authenticity and emotion are part of what makes the sport relatable.”
Verstappen: “You Have to Be Careful With What You Say”
The two-time world champion hinted that the current atmosphere in F1 has made him more cautious about how he expresses himself. “If it gets worse, I don’t know,” Verstappen admitted. “But for me, I prefer not to say too much. I’m just living my life, doing what I have to do on race weekends, but also the outside of that. You have to be very careful with what you say.”
Fan and Driver Pushback
The FIA’s stricter regulations on language and conduct have faced criticism not only from drivers but also from fans, who argue that Formula 1 risks losing its edge by over-policing natural emotions. Verstappen’s growing frustration echoes the sentiment that F1’s rawness and authenticity are what set it apart from other sports.
As Verstappen’s dominance continues on the track, his candid criticism off it serves as a reminder of the balance Formula 1 must strike between maintaining professionalism and preserving the raw, unfiltered moments that make it truly exhilarating. Whether Verstappen’s words inspire change or lead to further division remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—he won’t hold back.