The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has once again unleashed a storm of controversy in Formula 1, with Max Verstappen and the FIA ​​at the centre. Jos Verstappen, the father of the four-time world champion, has expressed his surprise and frustration at what he calls the FIA’s “bizarre and extreme” rules. The five-second time penalty given to Max after an incident with Oscar Piastri on the opening lap of the race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has drawn fierce criticism from the Verstappen clan. Jos’ comments, backed by anger from Red Bull Racing, focus mainly on the FIA’s lack of communication prior to the imposition of the penalty. Even FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem felt compelled to respond, further fuelling tensions.

The incident occurred at the first corner, where Verstappen, who started from pole position, was challenged by an aggressive overtaking attempt from Piastri. The McLaren driver dived on the inside, causing Verstappen to run wide and cut the chicane to maintain his position. According to the stewards, this resulted in a “lasting advantage” because Verstappen did not give the position back. The five-second penalty, less than the usual ten seconds due to the “mitigating circumstance” of the opening lap, cost Verstappen the victory. Piastri took advantage and claimed the win, while Verstappen finished second. Jos Verstappen, who followed the race closely, expressed his disbelief to the media: “Why is the FIA ​​silent? They should have reminded Max to give the position back before giving a penalty. This is no way to manage a race?”

Jos’s criticism focuses on the FIA’s procedure. In many cases, a driver is warned by race management to give up a position, as has often happened in previous seasons. This time, no such instruction was given, and the penalty was only imposed after the incident. “It’s bizarre,” Jos said. “Max had no other choice, Piastri didn’t give him any room. And then such a penalty afterwards without a warning? That’s extreme and unfair.” Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko shared this view, pointing to the inconsistent application of the rules. He noted that in the past, the FIA ​​has often given drivers the chance to give up a position before a penalty was imposed, and that the lack of this step in Jeddah raises questions about the transparency of race management.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem responded to the criticism during a press moment in Jeddah. He defended the stewards and stressed that the rules are clear: “If a driver leaves the track and gains an advantage, he must give that advantage back. That has been the case for years, and Max knows that.” Ben Sulayem also pointed to the recent dismissal of race director Niels Wittich, who helped justify the punishment, as a sign that the FIA ​​is taking its responsibilities seriously. Still, his response did not seem to calm the mood. Footage of a heated exchange between Ben Sulayem and Verstappen after the race went viral, fueling speculation about a tense relationship between the FIA ​​and the Dutchman.

Jos Verstappen’s frustration reflects a wider discontent in Formula 1. Drivers, including Verstappen himself, have previously spoken out against the strict rules around language and behaviour, which they say restrict freedom of expression. The punishment in Saudi Arabia has exacerbated these tensions, particularly as Verstappen already has eight penalty points on his superlicence. Twelve points will result in a suspension, and fans feared the FIA ​​would add extra points. Fortunately for Verstappen, the time penalty was limited, which the stewards attributed to the lack of danger in the incident. However, the calls for reform remain louder. Jos Verstappen’s comments, combined with Ben Sulaym’s recent announcement to review the penalty rules, suggest that Formula 1 is at a crossroads. The question remains: will the FIA ​​listen, or will it remain silent