Fia fored Jos Verstappen from Formula 1 for recent insulting statements to the address of the FIA. Max Verstappen immediately takes the floor to defend his father.
The Formula 1 world is again startled by an unprecedented measure: the FIA has Jos Verstappen, former F1 driver and father of triple world champion Max Verstappen, onelifelong prohibitionimposed. This drastic decision comes after Jos fiercely took the international motorsport association in the media several times. His statements were considered “unacceptable and offensive”, according to the official statement of the FIA.
Jos Verstappen’s statements would have been made after the Grand Prix of Belgium, where he suggested that the FIA is “structurally biased” and “is more concerned with politics than honest racing”. In a radio interview he called the organization “unprofessional and corrupt to the bone”. These words immediately caused a fuss within the Paddock, and also with some teams that found that Verstappen was going too far.
The FIA announced that there are “limits to freedom of expression when integrity and safety within sport endangers”. After internal consultation and legal testing, the association unanimously decided that Jos Verstappen is no longer welcome at the official Formula 1 events, including paddock access, team visits and media days.
Max Verstappen’s reaction did not take long. During an interview prior to the Hungary GP, the Red Bull driver openly expressed himself about the issue for the first time:
“My father is right in front of his turnip, and sometimes too direct. But he says what many think. This ban is out of proportion.”
“If the FIA demands transparency from teams, they must also be able to tolerate criticism themselves. This feels like revenge.”
According to sources within the Verstappen camp, Max is even planning to talk to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to challenge the spell. Red Bull Racing would also prepare to raise the incident at the next meeting of the F1 Strategic Committee.
The fans of Max and Jos Verstappen have moved en masse to social media to express their displeasure. The hashtags#FreeJosin#FIAOverreactshave become trending worldwide in a few hours.
In the meantime, the question arises: has the FIA strengthened its authority or damaged the confidence of fans and drivers? While the motorsport world is preparing for the next race, this incident does not seem by no means over. One thing is certain: the gap between drivers, families and the board of Formula 1 is getting deeper and deeper.
