In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the Formula 1 community, new footage from the Spanish Grand Prix has sparked controversy, revealing what many fans and analysts believe to be blatant bias from the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) against Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.

The 2025 Spanish GP, held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, was initially viewed as another tactical masterclass from the three-time world champion Verstappen. However, a storm is now brewing over a series of FIA decisions during the race weekend that are being labeled as inconsistent — and even discriminatory — by Red Bull supporters and neutral observers alike.

The Incident

The controversy centers around lap 34 of the race, where Verstappen, who was leading at the time, was shown a black-and-white warning flag for track limits – his third infraction according to race stewards. While that in itself is not unusual, new onboard footage and GPS data from Verstappen’s car – released by F1TV analysts – suggest that one of the alleged violations may have been incorrect. Furthermore, multiple similar incidents involving rival drivers, including Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ George Russell, appear to have gone unnoticed or unpunished by stewards.

This footage has since gone viral, with fans pointing out that Russell was off track at Turn 9 on lap 37, and Leclerc breached the limits at Turn 5 earlier in the race – neither of which were acknowledged by race control. In contrast, Verstappen was immediately warned and told he was on the verge of receiving a five-second penalty.

Red Bull Responds

Speaking after the race, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner did not mince words.

“We’re extremely disappointed with the lack of consistency in stewarding decisions. When there’s clear footage of other drivers exceeding limits without penalty, yet Max gets singled out, it’s very concerning,” Horner said in a post-race interview. “We will be seeking clarification from the FIA.”

Max Verstappen himself remained calm but hinted at frustration.

“I try to race hard and fair, and I expect the same standard to be applied across the board. When it isn’t, it’s hard to understand.”

Fans Erupt Online

Formula 1 fans took to social media in droves. The hashtag #JusticeForMax began trending within hours of the footage surfacing. Some fans even compared the incident to the infamous 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix controversy, where Verstappen’s title win was mired in stewarding irregularities.

Popular F1 content creator TommoF1 tweeted:

“You can’t have one rule for Max and another for everyone else. The footage speaks for itself.”

Meanwhile, respected motorsport journalist Will Buxton added:

“It’s not about favoritism, it’s about consistency. And right now, F1 is lacking it.”

FIA Under Pressure

The FIA has not officially responded to the allegations, but insiders say the governing body is “aware of the situation” and may release a statement before the Austrian Grand Prix. If the claims of selective enforcement are substantiated, the FIA may come under serious scrutiny from both teams and the general public.

This incident also reignites the long-standing debate over track limits and the need for clearer, technology-driven enforcement. With the championship battle intensifying, any perception of bias could have enormous implications on the title race – both on and off the track.

What’s Next?

The Formula 1 calendar moves quickly, with the next race just days away in Austria. Red Bull, racing at their home track, will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement — both on the asphalt and through formal channels.

But the bigger question remains: Is this just a one-off oversight from race control, or is there a deeper issue of favoritism and inconsistent rule application brewing within the FIA?

For now, Verstappen remains focused, leading the championship standings. But with increasing fan scrutiny and mounting pressure on the sport’s governing body, Formula 1 finds itself at a crossroads.

One thing is certain — the FIA cannot afford to ignore this. Because in F1, perception is everything. And right now, the perception is that something is not right at the top.

Stay tuned as this story develops. The 2025 F1 season just got a whole lot more dramatic.