The 2025 Spanish Grand Prix may have ended, but the controversy surrounding Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing is only just heating up. Following a tense and closely contested race in Barcelona, the FIA has once again taken action against the reigning World Champion — issuing three specific demands to Red Bull Racing that have sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world.
For Verstappen fans, it feels like déjà vu. And for Red Bull, it’s yet another chapter in what they perceive to be a targeted campaign against their dominance.
The Incident That Sparked the Latest Scrutiny
Although Verstappen finished P2 behind an inspired Charles Leclerc, the post-race spotlight quickly shifted away from the podium and toward the FIA stewards’ office. According to several sources within the paddock, technical inspectors flagged “irregularities” with Red Bull’s RB20 car during post-race checks.
The FIA’s official statement didn’t go into extensive detail, but it confirmed that the team had been requested to “provide clarification on multiple aspects of the RB20’s floor and rear wing configuration.” The governing body cited “a need to ensure continued compliance with aerodynamic regulations.”
The Three Controversial Demands
Later that evening, a memo from the FIA was leaked, detailing three main demands being placed on Red Bull ahead of the Austrian GP:
A Revised Floor Inspection
The FIA has requested a full resubmission of Red Bull’s floor design and underbody components, claiming there are discrepancies between the submitted CAD model and the actual race-day configuration.Rear Wing Load Testing
The FIA has ordered additional stress tests on the RB20’s rear wing — suggesting that Red Bull may be pushing the structural limits of the component to achieve greater downforce at high speeds.Sensor Data Transparency
Red Bull must now provide expanded telemetry and sensor data from both Verstappen’s and Sergio Pérez’s cars across the past three races, specifically related to energy deployment, brake balance, and DRS operation.
While all of these fall within the FIA’s regulatory rights, the tone and timing of the demands have raised eyebrows throughout the paddock.
Red Bull Responds — And They’re Not Happy
Team Principal Christian Horner didn’t hold back in his post-race interview.
“We respect the FIA, but this level of scrutiny — race after race — is starting to feel disproportionate,” Horner said. “We’re transparent. We’ve followed every procedure. If there’s something specific they want, we’ll give it to them, but the timing and pressure is frustrating.”
Verstappen himself seemed more amused than angry.
“At this point, I’m just focused on driving the car fast,” he told reporters with a shrug. “If they want to take the whole car apart, go ahead. It won’t change how I drive next weekend.”
Despite the calm words, sources within Red Bull suggest tensions are running high. Privately, senior engineers reportedly view the FIA’s demands as an attempt to disrupt the team’s rhythm during a tightly packed portion of the calendar.
Why Now?
F1 insiders speculate the FIA’s crackdown may be the result of increased pressure from rival teams. Red Bull’s dominance since 2022 — and especially Verstappen’s meteoric form — has caused concern across the grid.
McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes have all quietly lobbied for greater regulatory enforcement, particularly around flexi-wing components and ride height exploitation.
One anonymous engineer from a rival team said:
“Everyone’s been chasing Red Bull for two years. If they’re operating in gray areas, we all deserve to know. The FIA is just doing its job.”
Fan Backlash and Conspiracy Theories
On social media, the reaction was immediate and divided. Verstappen’s fans accused the FIA of bias, with hashtags like #LetMaxRace and #FIAWitchHunt trending shortly after the news broke.
Others, however, welcomed the scrutiny, saying it’s time Red Bull were “held accountable” like any other team.
YouTube analysts and Twitter commentators even speculated that political pressure within F1’s leadership — especially given the sport’s increasing American investment — could be playing a role in how Verstappen’s success is being received by the powers that be.
What Happens Next?
Red Bull now has five days to comply with the FIA’s demands. Failure to do so could result in grid penalties, disqualification from previous results, or even a temporary suspension pending investigation.
However, most experts believe the team will comply — and use the controversy to further galvanize their driver.
“Max drives best when he’s under pressure,” said F1 pundit Karun Chandhok. “If the FIA wanted to rattle him, they probably just made him even more dangerous.”
As the F1 circus heads to Austria — Red Bull’s home turf — all eyes will be on the RB20, the stewards, and the ever-unshakable Max Verstappen.
One thing is clear: this championship fight is about far more than just speed. It’s now a battle of politics, perception, and power — and the war has only just begun.
