In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the global Formula 1 community, former NASCAR and IndyCar sensation Danica Patrick has publicly accused the FIA of deliberately undermining Red Bull Racing and its reigning world champion Max Verstappen — while favoring British drivers on the grid.

The bombshell comments came during a recent motorsports podcast appearance, where Patrick, now a popular racing commentator and media personality, didn’t mince her words.

“It’s not even subtle anymore,” she stated. “Every time Verstappen dominates or Red Bull builds something exceptional, suddenly there are ‘rule clarifications’ or penalties that chip away at their advantage. And yet when British drivers toe the line or make the same moves, there’s silence or leniency.”

Fans Left Stunned — FIA Under Fire

Patrick’s remarks have sparked a firestorm of discussion across social media, racing forums, and F1 news outlets. Within hours of the podcast’s release, #FIAbias and #JusticeForRedBull began trending worldwide on X (formerly Twitter).

Supporters of Red Bull Racing and Verstappen were quick to echo her concerns, pointing to several controversial moments over the past two seasons. Critics highlighted the infamous 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi — though technically under a previous Race Director — and more recent technical directive changes that appeared to affect Red Bull’s aerodynamic package disproportionately.

Meanwhile, comparisons were drawn between penalties handed to Verstappen for aggressive racing and more lenient rulings toward British drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and George Russell in similar on-track incidents.

“The inconsistencies are glaring,” one Reddit user posted. “Danica just said what millions of fans have been thinking for years.”

A History of Controversy?

The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, has long faced scrutiny regarding the consistency of its rule enforcement. While the sport has made strides in recent years toward greater transparency, questions persist.

Patrick’s comments are not without precedent. Several team principals — including Christian Horner of Red Bull — have hinted at frustration over mid-season regulation changes or stewards’ decisions that seem to disproportionately affect certain teams.

“Sometimes, the timing of these directives is… interesting,” Horner once remarked diplomatically.

Now, with a high-profile figure like Patrick joining the chorus, pressure is mounting on the FIA to respond.

FIA Responds: “No Favoritism”

Shortly after the backlash intensified, an FIA spokesperson released a brief statement addressing Patrick’s accusations:

“The FIA applies the rules and regulations of Formula 1 equally to all teams and drivers, regardless of nationality. We reject any suggestion of bias or favoritism.”

Still, for many fans and analysts, the statement fell short of easing concerns. Motorsport columnist Will Buxton noted in a tweet: “The perception of fairness is just as important as fairness itself. If fans and insiders are questioning that, the FIA must take a hard look at how it communicates and enforces its decisions.”

Verstappen Keeps His Focus

While Patrick’s comments have ignited a media storm, Max Verstappen himself has remained characteristically cool. When asked about the controversy ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, the Dutch driver gave a measured response.

“I’m focused on racing,” Verstappen said. “I let the team and the people around me handle the rest. We’re here to compete, not to make excuses.”

His team, however, issued a more pointed comment, with a Red Bull spokesperson saying: “We appreciate when voices from outside the F1 paddock recognize what we’ve had to deal with. Our focus remains on delivering performance, no matter what obstacles come our way.”

The Bigger Picture: Nationalism in F1?

Patrick’s accusations have also reignited debate over nationalism in Formula 1 — a sport historically dominated by European teams and drivers. While F1 has globalized significantly in recent years, with races in the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East, the political dynamics within the paddock remain complicated.

Could there be unconscious bias toward drivers from F1’s traditional heartland? Are commercial interests — such as the sport’s booming British fanbase — subtly influencing officiating? These are questions the sport may no longer be able to ignore.

Final Thoughts

Danica Patrick’s explosive comments have pulled back the curtain on long-simmering tensions within Formula 1. Whether you agree or disagree, one thing is clear: her words have sparked a conversation the sport must now confront head-on.

As Formula 1 moves deeper into the 2025 season, the pressure on the FIA to demonstrate true neutrality — and on the media to hold it accountable — will only intensify.

For fans of the sport, it’s no longer just about who crosses the finish line first — it’s about whether the race is being run fairly at all.