In Formula 1 in 2025, you start with anything but the track you aspire to. World champion Max Verstappen begins a new chapter in his impasse with the FIA ​​and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, to denounce claims he considers absurd. After a controversial penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Verstappen took the path of passive resistance, turning his silence into a formidable weapon. Today, our corporate leaders and banks stand in a dusty place, torn between admiration for the country and outrage at a government that is clearly flawed. A look back at a scandal unfolding in F1.

One punishment is to set fire to the dust barrel

At the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Verstappen, who was extending his pole position, was locked in a close battle with Oscar Piastri (McLaren) from the first corner. To maintain the lead, you need to know the track style and gain an advantage over your rival. FIA officials deemed this illegal and imposed a five-second penalty, giving them the win—with Piastri gaining less than three seconds.

Immediately after the bullfight, Verstappen was seen in a heated discussion with Ben Sulayem in the park. Images taken by spectators and shared by members of the public show a visibly frustrated Dutchman gesticulating in front of the FIA ​​president. In comparison, they are not being broadcast by the official broadcaster, according to the speculative source. Some believe Ben Sulayem was prohibited from criticizing the FIA, although confidential sources deny such statements.

In the company meeting after the bullfight, Verstappen pursued an eloquent strategy of silence. “I can’t express my opinion, I risk a penalty,” he said, interrupting the discussion about the incident. I’m sure of their laconic replies, pompous with an ironic smile. “It’s better not to. The world won’t know the truth,” he added, implicitly criticizing the FIA’s new code of conduct.

Controversial facts that exasperam

After Mohammed Ben Sulayem takes over as FIA President in 2021, tensions among the drivers will continue to rise. In 2024, his driving over buildings caused a stir: Verstappen was penalized for using a building during a corporate collision in Singapore. Verstappen was forced to perform community service in Rwanda and responded with a silent protest. He limited his official appearances to the mediocre, clearly exceeding the limits set by the FIA.

The FIA ​​will review its regulations for 2025. Article 12.2.1.f of the International Sporting Code now prohibits “any words, actions, or writings that have caused moral harm or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members, or its directors.” For inappropriate language, the fine is four times the amount, i.e., €10,000 to €40,000 for the first offense. For three repeat offenses, the penalty is suspended for one month.

These tests were perceived as an attempt to silence the drivers and sparked a negative reaction. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), led by George Russell, published an open letter urging Ben Sulayem to treat drivers like adults and be transparent when imposing fines. Verstappen, supported by his parents, crystallized it. “This is ridiculous. You can’t talk to me,” he said, hinting that these restrictions could affect his future in F1.

In the turmoil, Ben Sulayem is under pressure

The reactions on our social networks have been explosive. Others criticize the FIA’s authoritarian attitude: “Well, Sulayem, who controls everything the drivers say, is pathetic,” wrote one. Let’s go a step further and, after discussing what has been done, consider the additional sanctioning method. “I hear Ben Sulayem punishes Max with new fines,” said one internet user.

No, not all of us are happy with Verstappen. Some people say he’s overreacting: “Max is acting like a crazy lunatic. The rewards are the same for everyone,” commented one user. A symbol of resistance against a government we consider oppressive.

Ben Sulayem, who has already been criticized for his chaotic approach—statements from key executives, accusations of a lack of transparency—finds himself in a delicate position. He recently announced to the press that he was considering “improving” the regulations governing driver conduct, an implicit admission that Verstappen’s critical actions were certain.

A fight that goes on the slopes

This conflict between Verstappen and the FIA ​​resulted in a simple punishment. This highlights a growing divide between the drivers, who demand freedom of expression, and the FIA, which is accused of enforcing hygiene in Formula 1 to please a global audience. Team radio, full of pure emotion, is a fundamental part of the program. If you ban or censor it, you risk distorting the very soul of the broadcast.

Verstappen, with his fame and popularity, has returned to the norm. His strategy—hitting little but hitting hard—not only humiliates Ben Sulayem, but also electrifies the fans and drivers. With 2025 promising to be an exciting time and a lasting memory, where will this comparison come from? One thing is certain: Verstappen won’t give up easily, and the racetracks will vibrate with both the raucous sound of the engine and the echo of revolt.