Jos Verstappen Criticizes F1 Stewards Over Mexico Grand Prix Penalties: Calls for FIA Review of Stewarding Panel

Jos Verstappen has expressed strong criticism of Formula 1 stewards following the penalties imposed on his son, Max Verstappen, during the recent Mexico City Grand Prix. Max Verstappen, who received two 10-second penalties for incidents involving title rival Lando Norris, ultimately finished sixth in the race, which saw his championship lead reduced to 47 points. Jos Verstappen argues that the penalties imposed were disproportionately harsh, especially when compared to similar incidents in Austin, where Max Verstappen escaped without penalties despite a similar on-track maneuver.

Speaking to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Jos Verstappen suggested that the stewarding panel displayed a potential bias against Max, hinting that some stewards may hold personal grievances or favoritism that could compromise their judgment. He called on the FIA to scrutinize the selection process for stewards, specifically questioning the inclusion of former drivers or individuals with connections to certain teams, which could present a conflict of interest.

Johnny Herbert, a former F1 driver and part of the stewarding panel in Mexico, addressed the claims, defending the decision to penalize Max Verstappen. Herbert noted that the penalties were applied following clear FIA guidelines agreed upon by the teams. In his statements, Herbert emphasized the importance of fair competition and maintaining safe driving standards, particularly regarding wheel-to-wheel confrontations. He acknowledged Max Verstappen’s aggressive driving style, attributing it to his competitive mindset but stressing that a more controlled approach could benefit both Verstappen and Red Bull as they aim to clinch the championship title.

The debate over stewarding impartiality and consistency has sparked discussions within the F1 community. As the season approaches its conclusion, with Red Bull and McLaren fiercely competing, Jos Verstappen’s criticism underscores the broader call for greater transparency and neutrality in race officiating. This scrutiny may prompt the FIA to revisit its stewarding policies to ensure that penalties are applied equitably, and without perceived biases, across all F1 drivers and teams.