Verstappen slams FIA policy: ‘Punished like a small child’ – The FIA has sparked controversy by announcing tougher penalties for Formula One drivers who use bad language or break the rules of conduct from 2025. Among the most vocal critics of the move is reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who believes the new policy infantilises drivers and takes away from the essence of racing.

Verstappen, who has had run-ins with the FIA in the past over his language and behaviour, has not held back in his criticism of the governing body’s approach.

 

 

 

Tougher penalties in 2025: What the FIA’s new policy means

The FIA’s updated guidelines for 2025 aim to crack down on drivers who fail to behave in a professional manner during race weekends. Offences such as the use of profanity in interviews, press conferences or even on team radios could result in severe consequences, including fines of over €100,000, points deductions in the championship or even month-long suspensions.

The tough stance comes amid a noticeable increase in Formula One’s global audience, including younger viewers. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has stressed the importance of maintaining a professional and family-friendly image for the sport.

However, critics argue that the severity of these penalties could have unintended consequences, potentially stifling the personalities and raw emotions that fans often find appealing.

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Verstappen’s history with FIA penalties

Max Verstappen’s frustrations with the FIA are nothing new. The Dutchman, who won a third consecutive world championship in 2024, has faced disciplinary action from the governing body on several occasions over the years. Most notably, he was given community service in 2018 for pushing Esteban Ocon after a heated incident during a race.

More recently, Verstappen was penalised for using profanity, including the F-word, during on-board radio communications – a common occurrence among drivers in high-pressure moments.

For such actions in 2025 and beyond, the Dutchman might well be facing suspension based on the new system.

At the FIA Awards Gala in Kigali, Rwanda, Verstappen fulfilled two obligations: accepting his championship trophy and performing community service for his latest transgression. While acknowledging the importance of maintaining a level of professionalism, Verstappen has expressed his disdain for what he perceives as the FIA’s heavy-handed approach to discipline.

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FIA’s fight against profanity: A double standard?

One of Verstappen’s main grievances is what he sees as a double standard in Formula One’s handling of emotion on the track. The sport’s governing body frequently showcases dramatic team radio outbursts and heated moments on social media, often to engage fans and boost viewership.

Yet the FIA seems determined to penalise the very behaviour that F1 itself capitalises on for entertainment purposes.

Verstappen has pointed to inconsistencies in the enforcement of penalties, pointing to a situation where fellow driver George Russell used similar language but faced no consequences.

“Of course I understand that you can’t swear in a press conference,” said Verstappen in an interview with Viaplay.

“But in the heat of the moment during a race, it’s natural for these things to slip out. That’s how we all grew up in this sport.”

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“Treated like toddlers”: Verstappen’s criticism of FIA policy

Speaking openly about the new policy, Verstappen expressed his frustration at what he perceives as the infantilisation of drivers.

“We’re all schoolboys, of course,” he remarked sarcastically.

“If you are punished like a little child, I think: what are we doing in this sport?”

Verstappen’s dissatisfaction with the FIA extends beyond the rules. The 27-year-old has also been vocal about the increasingly busy race calendar, which he feels leaves little room for rest or personal life.

While he remains committed to his current contract with Red Bull Racing, which runs until 2028, Verstappen has hinted that such measures could lead him to consider an early exit from F1.

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Balancing professionalism and authenticity

Verstappen acknowledges that drivers have an “exemplary role” as public figures. With girlfriend Kelly Piquet expecting their first child, Verstappen is already a stepfather to Penelope, Piquet’s daughter from a previous relationship with former driver Daniil Kvyat. He understands the responsibility of setting a good example, but believes the FIA’s approach is out of touch with reality.

“People say, ‘My five-year-old grandson is watching, too,'” Verstappen said, laughing off the idea that such young spectators are closely scrutinising the drivers’ language.

“When I was five, I heard swear words all the time – at school, on TV, everywhere. It’s part of life.”

Verstappen argues that completely shielding children from such language is unrealistic and counterproductive.

“As a child, you want to be a bit tough. It’s part of growing up. And to be honest, if kids don’t hear it from us, they’ll hear it elsewhere.”

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Verstappen’s waning enjoyment of F1

The stricter rules of conduct are just one of several factors that Verstappen says are diminishing his enjoyment of the sport. While he remains passionate about the sport, he has often spoken about the toll Formula One’s increasingly demanding schedule takes on drivers.

With 24 races scheduled for the 2025 season and more proposed for future years, Verstappen has questioned whether the sport’s current direction is in line with his long-term goals.

“Formula 1 is supposed to be about racing,” said Verstappen.

“But when you add all the politics, the rules and the penalties, it starts to feel like something else. At some point you have to ask yourself if it’s still worth it.”

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A divisive issue for fans and drivers alike

The FIA’s crackdown on driver behaviour has sparked a heated debate among fans and within the paddock. While some argue that tougher penalties are necessary to maintain the professionalism of the sport and appeal to a wider audience, others believe the governing body is overreaching.

For Verstappen, the issue boils down to a fundamental disconnect between the FIA’s priorities and the realities of competitive racing.

“Emotions run high in this sport,” he said.

“That’s what makes it exciting. If you take that away, you lose something important.”

As F1 heads into the 2025 season, the tension between drivers and the FIA is likely to continue. Whether the new rules will lead to a more disciplined sport – or simply stifle its authenticity – remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Verstappen and his colleagues will continue to voice their concerns, even if it means risking further penalties.

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