The 2025 Miami Grand Prix was the scene of an unexpected drama, not on the track, but behind the scenes of Formula 1. Frédéric Vasseur, the boss of Scuderia Ferrari, sparked a media storm by openly attacking the FIA ​​after a controversial penalty imposed on his star driver, Lewis Hamilton. This outburst, as audacious as it was unexpected, set the paddock in turmoil, until Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, responded with a terse six-word sentence that left everyone, including Vasseur, speechless.

A penalty that is controversial

It all began at the Miami Grand Prix, the fifth round of the 2025 season. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was handed a five-second penalty for a minor infraction during an overtaking move deemed too aggressive by the stewards. The decision, which relegated Hamilton from fifth to seventh place, was surprising in its timing and apparent severity. While the sprint race had seen Hamilton shine with a resounding victory, this Grand Prix penalty seemed to many to be a disproportionate punishment.

Frédéric Vasseur, known for his outspokenness, didn’t mince his words during the post-race press conference. “This penalty is strange, not to say incomprehensible,” he said, his face etched with frustration. “Lewis raced cleanly, he’s pushing the car to its limits, as any champion would. Penalizing this sends a confusing message to the drivers and fans. The FIA ​​needs to clarify its criteria, because we’re swimming in complete confusion here.” These remarks, unusually direct for a team principal of Vasseur’s stature, immediately inflamed social media and specialist media.

A review in a tense context

This statement is not insignificant. For several years, the FIA, under the leadership of Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has faced recurring criticism for its lack of transparency and its decisions, which are sometimes perceived as inconsistent. Vasseur, who has already expressed reservations about certain FIA decisions in the past, appears to have chosen Miami to make a splash. His comment comes at a time when Ferrari, after a difficult start to the season marked by a double disqualification in China, is seeking to assert its position against competitors like Red Bull and McLaren.

But Vasseur didn’t just criticize the penalty. He also pointed to a possible unfairness in the treatment of drivers. “Why penalize Lewis for a bold overtake, when other similar incidents go unnoticed?” he asked, implicitly referring to past decisions that allegedly favored certain drivers, such as Max Verstappen. This remark rekindled tensions between Ferrari and the FIA, recalling the 2023 controversies surrounding the cancellation of a penalty for Alonso in Saudi Arabia, where Ben Sulayem had been accused of interference.

Ben Sulayem’s scathing response

Faced with this charge, Mohammed Ben Sulayem was quick to react. In a brief statement on the sidelines of the paddock, the FIA ​​president dropped a sentence that had the effect of a bombshell: “Rules apply, not emotions.” These six words, spoken with icy calm, not only closed the debate, but also put Vasseur in an awkward position. By suggesting that Ferrari’s criticism was guided by emotion rather than reason, Ben Sulayem deftly turned the argument against the Frenchman, while reaffirming the FIA’s authority.

This response divided observers. For some, it demonstrated the firmness needed to maintain order in such a competitive sport. For others, it reflected a certain arrogance on the part of Ben Sulayem, who seemed unwilling to engage with the teams. On social media, Hamilton fans denounced a “disrespect” towards their champion, while others praised the conciseness and effectiveness of the response.

A battle that goes beyond Miami

This exchange is just the latest episode in a complex relationship between Vasseur, Ferrari, and the FIA. Since taking over as Ferrari’s new boss in 2023, Vasseur has sought to restore Ferrari to its former glory while navigating the murky waters of regulatory controversy. His stance, such as his unwavering support for Hamilton in the face of criticism over his age or performance, demonstrates a leader willing to defend his drivers at all costs.

But this confrontation with Ben Sulayem could have wider repercussions. With the upcoming races, particularly at Imola and Monaco, the pressure will be on Ferrari to prove that its on-track performance can speak louder than the controversies. For its part, the FIA ​​will have to demonstrate that its decisions are fair and consistent, or risk further alienating teams and fans.

Conclusion: a sport under tension

The 2025 Miami Grand Prix will be remembered not only for its on-track spectacle, but also for this verbal clash between two major figures in Formula 1. Frédéric Vasseur, with his bold criticism, served as a reminder that Ferrari will not remain silent in the face of perceived injustice. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, with his scathing response, asserted his authority, but at the risk of stoking tensions. In a sport where every detail counts, this off-track battle could well influence the dynamics of the season. One thing is certain: Formula 1 never ceases to surprise us.