In a recent and explosive claim, former racing driver Danica Patrick has suggested that the FIA might be intentionally placing obstacles in the path of Red Bull Racing and its star driver, Max Verstappen, while favoring British drivers. This bold assertion comes at a time when tensions in the Formula 1 world are already running high, particularly between Verstappen and the British racing elite, including the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.

Danica Patrick, known for her no-nonsense approach and outspoken nature, shared her thoughts during a podcast, sparking widespread discussion. She hinted that the FIA’s recent decisions, which have often seemed to go against Red Bull, might not be entirely coincidental. According to Patrick, there could be a deeper, more insidious bias at play within the organization, particularly favoring drivers from Britain.

Patrick’s claims come on the heels of several controversial FIA decisions that have affected Red Bull and Verstappen negatively. Over the past few seasons, there have been numerous instances where the FIA’s rulings have been questioned by fans, pundits, and even team principals. Penalties for minor infractions, questionable interpretations of racing incidents, and a general sense of inconsistency have led to growing frustration within the Red Bull camp.

Patrick pointed out that while Verstappen and Red Bull have been under the microscope, British drivers seem to receive more lenient treatment in similar situations. “It’s almost as if there’s a different rulebook for them,” she said, alluding to how penalties that might cripple Red Bull’s championship ambitions are applied with much greater scrutiny compared to those involving British drivers.

The idea of favoritism in Formula 1 isn’t new, but Patrick’s remarks have added fuel to an already fiery debate. She referenced past incidents where British drivers seemed to escape harsh penalties or where the FIA appeared to side with them in ambiguous situations. This, she argues, isn’t just bad luck for Red Bull and Verstappen—it’s part of a larger narrative within the sport.

Patrick’s comments also come at a time when Verstappen’s dominance on the track has been nothing short of remarkable. With back-to-back championships and a string of victories that have left his competitors in the dust, Verstappen has become the man to beat. Yet, despite his undeniable talent, Patrick believes the FIA’s actions could be an attempt to curb his success and maintain a more “marketable” balance in the sport, especially for British audiences.

Predictably, Patrick’s comments have caused a stir in the F1 community. Fans and analysts are divided, with some agreeing that the FIA’s treatment of Verstappen and Red Bull seems harsher compared to others, while others dismiss the idea as conspiracy theory. The FIA, for its part, has remained silent on Patrick’s accusations, but the discussion she’s ignited is likely to continue as the season progresses.

As the championship battle heats up, so too will the scrutiny on the FIA’s decisions. Whether Patrick’s claims hold water or not, they have certainly put the spotlight on the governing body, which now faces the challenge of proving its impartiality in one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.

Danica Patrick’s bold assertions have ensured that the debate over fairness in Formula 1 will rage on, especially as fans and teams alike keep a close eye on how the rest of the season unfolds.