Formula 1 has always been a sport where passion, speed, and controversy intertwine at every turn. However, what happened after the 2025 Italian Grand Prix has raised tensions to unprecedented levels. Jos Verstappen, father of four-time world champion Max Verstappen, has shaken the paddock with an explosive statement, directly accusing the FIA ​​of making unfair decisions that harm his son. In an unprecedented move, Jos has announced that he is suing the FIA, stating that the sanctions imposed on Max are “destroying Formula 1.” The FIA’s response was immediate, but its official statement has raised more questions than answers, deepening a controversy that is on the lips of every fan.

Jos Verstappen, known for his outspoken nature and unwavering support for his son, didn’t hold back when expressing his frustration after the Italian GP. In an interview with Dutch outlet Viaplay, Jos issued a blunt warning: “The FIA ​​is a disgrace; they are destroying Formula 1. If they don’t change, my son will leave Formula 1.” These words resonated like thunder in the world of motorsports, putting the consistency and impartiality of the FIA ​​stewards at the center of the debate.

The conflict is not new. Jos has previously criticized the FIA’s decisions, especially after the 2024 Brazilian GP, ​​where Max received two 10-second penalties that relegated him to sixth place. On that occasion, Jos had already suggested the need for permanent stewards to ensure consistent decisions, comparing the situation to refereeing in football: “If you have the same people all the time, they’ll make the same decisions. That’s better. The FIA ​​needs to raise its professionalism, and in that regard, they’re failing considerably so far.” Now, following the Italian GP, ​​Jos has gone a step further by taking his discontent to court, a move that could be a game-changer in Formula 1.

Max Verstappen, the protagonist of this storm, has not remained silent. Although known for his pragmatic approach, the Red Bull driver expressed his disbelief at the FIA’s official statement following his father’s accusations. In a statement after the Italian GP, ​​Max commented: “I can’t believe what they’ve said. It’s like they’re trying to justify something that doesn’t make sense.” These words, although measured, reflect the growing tension between the champion and the sport’s governing body.

Max has had run-ins with the FIA ​​in the past. In 2024, he was sanctioned with public service work for using language deemed inappropriate during a press conference in Singapore, leading him to protest by giving curt answers and holding impromptu press conferences outside official FIA channels. This precedent shows that Verstappen isn’t afraid to challenge authority when he feels decisions are unfair. However, the threat of quitting Formula 1, mentioned by his father, has added a new level of seriousness to the situation. Could the four-time world champion really step aside?

The FIA, aware of the magnitude of the accusations, issued an official statement hours after Jos Verstappen’s remarks. In it, the organization defended the integrity of its stewards and stated that all decisions are made “based on the sporting regulations and in the interest of ensuring a fair and safe sport.” However, the statement also included a phrase that surprised many: “The FIA ​​will review internal procedures to ensure transparency in future decisions.” This statement, far from calming the waters, has been interpreted by some as an implicit admission of flaws in the current process.

Sources close to the paddock suggest the FIA ​​is under pressure to respond to criticism of inconsistent decisions. For example, at the 2023 Australian GP, ​​Max Verstappen’s start was deemed legal despite his car being partially outside the white line, a decision that sparked controversy among fans and rival teams. In contrast, harsher penalties in other cases, such as the incident with George Russell at the 2025 Spanish GP, have fueled the perception that the rules are being applied unequally.

While the specific details of the Italian GP incident are still under scrutiny, preliminary reports indicate that Max Verstappen received a penalty for what was deemed a dangerous maneuver during the race. According to paddock witnesses, the stewards’ decision was made following an analysis of telemetry and video, but many fans and analysts have questioned whether the penalty was proportionate to the incident. The lack of clarity in the decision-making process has been a constant sticking point, and the Italian GP appears to have been the final straw for the Verstappens.

The impact of this controversy goes beyond the sporting sphere. Formula 1, a sport that relies as much on the passion of its fans as on the support of its sponsors, cannot afford a prolonged confrontation with one of its biggest stars. Max Verstappen is not only a dominant driver, but also a magnet for global audiences. His potential departure, as Jos suggested, would be a devastating blow to the sport.

Jos Verstappen’s lawsuit against the FIA ​​isn’t just a personal battle; it raises fundamental questions about the governance of Formula 1. Is the FIA ​​capable of maintaining impartiality in a sport where emotions and commercial interests are constantly at odds? Could this situation push other drivers and teams to demand changes to how the rules are applied?

For now, the paddock waits with bated breath for the next move. Jos Verstappen has made it clear he won’t back down, and Max, although more reserved, seems to be in line with his father’s position. Meanwhile, fans have flooded social media with divided opinions: some support the Verstappens, arguing that the FIA ​​has been inconsistent, while others believe Max should accept the rules of the game.

What is clear is that this controversy will not be resolved quickly. Jos Verstappen’s lawsuit could be the beginning of a significant change in Formula 1, or perhaps the prelude to a dramatic exit for one of the most talented drivers in history. While the motorsport world holds its breath, one thing is certain: the 2025 season is far from over, and emotions will continue to run high at every Grand Prix.