The fallout from the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix is far from over — and it has taken a fiery new turn. After Max Verstappen received a highly controversial 10-second penalty, his father, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, has publicly slammed the FIA’s decision as “bizarre, extreme, and completely lacking transparency.”

In an emotional interview on Dutch television and a series of fiery social media posts, Jos questioned not only the penalty itself, but more critically, why the FIA remained silent during the race — giving no prior warning or clarification before handing down what he believes is an unfair and damaging punishment.

The Penalty That Ignited a Firestorm

Max Verstappen crossed the line in P2 behind Charles Leclerc, but shortly afterward was slapped with a 10-second time penalty for what the FIA described as “erratic defensive behavior” against Lando Norris on Lap 42 — specifically, an aggressive move that forced the McLaren driver off the racing line at high speed.

While Norris himself did not appear outraged in post-race interviews, the FIA ruled Verstappen had breached Article 33.4 of the sporting code, which deals with “unsportsmanlike driving and dangerous maneuvers.”

The penalty dropped Verstappen to P4 in the final classification — a massive blow to his title defense.

Jos Verstappen Explodes: “This Isn’t Fair Play Anymore”

Jos Verstappen wasted no time in voicing his anger. Speaking to NOS Sport, he said:

“What I don’t understand — and what no one in the team understands — is why the FIA didn’t advise or warn Max during the race. If they believed it was borderline, they could have used the black-and-white flag or sent a message to Red Bull. But nothing. Silence. And then suddenly a 10-second penalty after the race? That’s ridiculous.”

He added:

“This is not racing anymore, it’s politics. They’re destroying the spirit of the sport with rulings like this.”

Jos went even further on social media, accusing the FIA of “selective enforcement” and warning that decisions like these “damage trust between teams and the governing body.”

Red Bull’s Reaction: “It Feels Like a Set-Up”

Team Principal Christian Horner echoed Jos’s sentiments, calling the decision “heavy-handed and inconsistent.”

“We’ve seen similar or worse incidents go unpunished this year. Why Max? Why now?” Horner questioned. “If the FIA had an issue, they should’ve dealt with it during the race, not wait until after the checkered flag to shake up the standings.”

The team also pointed out that Verstappen had not received any prior black-and-white warning, which is typically issued for unsportsmanlike conduct before more serious penalties are applied.

The FIA Responds: “Rules Are Rules, No Exceptions”

In response to the escalating backlash, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem issued a formal statement late Sunday evening.

“The stewards reviewed the incident using all available telemetry, video, and radio communications. They determined that the move was dangerous and warranted a post-race penalty. The fact that no warning was issued during the race is not relevant — if a breach occurs, it is within the stewards’ right to act immediately or after full review.”

He continued:

“We understand the emotional reactions from drivers, teams, and families. But we stand by our process and decisions. Consistency and safety remain our top priorities.”

Still, the explanation has done little to calm the storm.

Fans Divided: “Justice or Witch Hunt?”

On social media, the reaction was fierce and polarized.

• Verstappen fans accused the FIA of launching a witch hunt against the Dutch superstar.

• Others felt the penalty was justified, saying Verstappen has “gotten away with too much for too long.”

• Hashtags like #JusticeForMax and #FIAOut began trending within hours.

Even former F1 drivers weighed in. Jenson Button said the move was “aggressive but not penalty-worthy,” while Nico Rosberg countered that “if you force a driver off the road with no space, you risk lives — penalties must apply.”

What This Means for the Championship

The 10-second penalty cost Verstappen valuable points in what has become one of the tightest championship battles in recent years. With Leclerc, Norris, and Oscar Piastri all within striking distance, any misstep — especially one handed out by race officials — could be pivotal.

Red Bull is reportedly considering filing a formal appeal, though overturning an in-race decision post-classification remains extremely rare in Formula 1.

Final Thoughts

This latest controversy adds to a growing sense of unrest within the paddock. Between Red Bull’s constant scrutiny, Verstappen’s confrontational driving style, and the FIA’s sometimes opaque decision-making process, tension is at an all-time high.

As F1 heads to Austria next — Red Bull’s home ground — all eyes will be on Verstappen, the FIA, and whether a deeper rift is forming between the sport’s most dominant team and its governing body.

For now, Jos Verstappen’s words hang in the air:
“This isn’t racing anymore. This is a game — and not a fair one.”