In the aftermath of the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a clandestine recording of Max Verstappen’s candid conversation with his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, has surfaced, revealing the Dutch driver’s unfiltered frustration over a controversial five-second penalty imposed by the FIA. The recording, which was inadvertently leaked, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, prompting a swift and stern response from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.​

The Incident: A Controversial Penalty

The incident in question occurred during the opening lap of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Verstappen, in a fierce battle for position with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, was adjudged by the stewards to have left the track and gained an unfair advantage. The FIA’s decision to impose a five-second penalty on Verstappen was met with immediate backlash from Red Bull Racing, who contended that the penalty was unjust and detrimental to their championship aspirations. Team Principal Christian Horner presented photographic evidence to argue that Verstappen had already established a lead and had no choice but to leave the track to avoid a collision.

Verstappen’s Private Outburst

In the leaked recording, Verstappen is heard expressing his displeasure to Piquet, stating, “The FIA president is truly unreasonable.” He further conveyed his frustration, remarking, “I didn’t dare to mention this during the live broadcast,” highlighting the increasing pressure drivers face under the FIA’s stringent regulations. This candid admission has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the FIA’s decision-making processes.​

FIA President’s Response

Upon becoming aware of the leaked recording, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem issued a public statement condemning Verstappen’s comments as “unprofessional and disrespectful.” He emphasized that such behavior undermines the integrity of the sport and the authority of the governing body. Ben Sulayem also reiterated the FIA’s commitment to enforcing its regulations impartially and without bias, asserting that all drivers must adhere to the same standards of conduct .​

Public Reaction and Media Frenzy

The leaked recording has sparked a media frenzy, with fans and pundits alike weighing in on the controversy. Many have expressed support for Verstappen, arguing that the FIA’s penalty was overly harsh and indicative of a broader issue within the organization. Conversely, others have criticized Verstappen for his private remarks, suggesting that such comments should be addressed through official channels rather than public outbursts.​

Verstappen’s Silence Amidst Controversy

In the wake of the incident, Verstappen has opted for a strategy of silence, refraining from making public statements regarding the penalty or the leaked recording. This approach has been interpreted by some as a deliberate attempt to avoid further conflict with the FIA, while others view it as a missed opportunity to address the issues head-on.​

Conclusion: A Defining Moment in F1 Governance

The controversy surrounding Verstappen’s penalty and the subsequent leaked recording has brought to light ongoing tensions between drivers and the FIA. It underscores the challenges faced by the governing body in balancing the enforcement of regulations with maintaining the trust and respect of the drivers. As the F1 season progresses, it remains to be seen how this incident will influence future interactions between the FIA and the drivers, and whether it will lead to a reevaluation of certain policies and practices within the sport.