The Grand Prix of Great Britain 2025 on the iconic Silverstone circuit not only produced an exciting qualification, but also a heated controversy in the Formula 1 world. Max Verstappen conquered pole position with an impressive round, with which he again demonstrated his exceptional talent. However, the aftermath of the qualification was dominated by an unexpected riot, fueled by comments from the FIA president about Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. These statements caused anger at Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso, who did not hide his displeasure. The Spaniard, a double world champion, expressed sharp criticism of the FIA, with which he further fueled the tensions in the paddock.
During the qualification, Verstappen showed his unparalleled speed, despite a difficult Friday in which Red Bull struggled with understeer and a lack of speed in free practice sessions. His pole was a masterpiece, leaving the competition, including McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, who noted the fastest time in the first free practice, ended the qualification in a respectable position, but could not threaten Verstappen. The Dutchman’s dominance again emphasized his unparalleled pole-win ratio, which extends with 80%far above those of legends such as Alonso (63%) and Hamilton (58%). This made the comments of the FIA president, who criticized both Verstappen and Hamilton, all the more striking.
Although the exact content of the FIA president’s statements is not fully public, sources suggested that they related to the behavior of both drivers during qualification. Possibly it was alleged violations or controversial actions on the track, such as hindering other drivers, a sensitive subject in Formula 1. Alonso, who himself starts seventh after punishment for Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, was furious over the tone of the FIA. He called the comments “unacceptable” and criticized the motorsport association for what he saw as a lack of respect for the drivers. Alonso, who had a tumultuous relationship with Hamilton at McLaren in 2007, emphasized that the FIA should focus on improving the sport instead of fueling unnecessary controversies.
Alonso’s anger reflects a wider frustration in Formula 1 Paddock about the role of the FIA. The union has recently come under fire because of inconsistent decisions and penalties, such as the warning that Hamilton received after an incident with Kimi Antonelli in Austria. In the past, Verstappen himself has also complained about the FIA, in particular a punishment for curses in 2024, which he labeled as exaggerated and unnecessary. These tensions suggest that the relationship between the drivers and the management of the sport is under pressure, especially now that the competition in 2025 is more intense than ever. With McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes that challenge Red Bull, every decision of the FIA is crucial.
The situation was extra personal for Alonso. As a veteran in sport, who has worked with Verstappen and Hamilton in the past, he feels a responsibility to defend the integrity of Formula 1. His praise for Verstappen’s performance, which he described as “extraordinary” after his pole, contrasted sharply with his criticism of the FIA. He pointed out that Verstappen’s dominance is not only due to his car, but especially to his unparalleled driving skills. At the same time, Alonso’s old rivalry seemed to play a role with Hamilton, although he emphasized that his anger was aimed at the FIA and not on the drivers themselves.
The Grand Prix of Great Britain promises to be a spectacle, not only because of Verstappen’s pole, but also because of the tensions outside the track. The British fans, who support Hamilton passionately, were already displeased with Alonso’s earlier comments about their hero, and this new controversy will further heat the mood. In the meantime, Verstappen remains focused on the race, determined to convert his pole into a victory, as he already did 33 times in his career. For Alonso, the situation is a call for change within the FIA, which he believes should serve the sport instead of sowing divisions. While Formula 1 is evolving under the regime of Liberty Media, the question remains how the FIA will respond to the growing dissatisfaction among drivers and teams.
