The Formula 1 world has been shaken again by controversial statements, this time from former world champion Jacques Villeneuve. The Canadian, known for his unsalted opinions, has strongly pronounced accusations that the FIA manipulates the 2025 championship by punishing Max Verstappen more stricter than his title rivals. These claims, which mainly circulate among fans of Verstappen, have led to heated discussions on social media and in the paddock. Villeneuve, who collided with Verstappen in the past, calls the allegations of manipulation “false” and “lack of respect” for sport.

The controversy started after the Grand Prix of Miami, where Verstappen received a time penalty of ten seconds for a collision in the Pitlane with Kimi Antonelli. This punishment ensured that Verstappen lost valuable points, while his competitor Oscar Piaastri won the race and took over the leadership in the championship. Some fans and analysts pointed to a pattern of what they see as disproportionate penalties for Verstappen compared to his rivals, such as Piastri and Lando Norris. The suggestion that the FIA deliberately disadvantages the Dutchman to make the title race more exciting, has led to a wave of speculation and conspiracy theories among Verstappens loyal supporters, especially in the Netherlands, where the orange sea of fans dominates every race.

Villeneuve, who commented in an interview with Vision4Sport, resolutely rejected these allegations. “They false!” He said, referring to those who claim that the FIA manipulates the sport. According to the 1997 world champion, it is normal for stewards to make mistakes, but he calls the idea of deliberate manipulation absurd. “The FIA tries to keep the sport honest, but people forget that stewards are human. They make mistakes, just like drivers. To say that they send the championship, an insult is for everyone who works in this sport.” Villeneuve emphasized that, despite his talent, Verstappen sometimes drives too aggressively, which, according to him, partly explains why he is more often in the sights of the stewards.

The relationship between Villeneuve and Verstappen has been tense for years. In 2016, Villeneuve Verstappen’s driving style criticized after a controversial race in Spa, where he accused the Dutchman of reckless behavior that could cause a fatal accident. At the time, Verstappen reacted sharply, which led to a public exchange of words. Although Villeneuve has moderated his tone in recent years and has even praised Verstappens exceptional talent, he remains a polarizing figure in the eyes of many Verstappen fans. His recent statements have again fueled the tension, in particular on platforms such as X, where fans accuse the Canadian of bias against their hero.

Yet Villeneuve is not the only one who questions the accusations of manipulation. Alexandra Schieren, former communication expert at the FIA, supported Verstappens’s right to pronounce, but pointed out that the stricter rules against misconduct, such as swearing during press moments, are not specifically directed against him. In an interview with Racingnews365, she emphasized that the FIA is trying to guarantee consistency, but that public perception is often clouded by emotions of fans. “Max is an example for young drivers, not only because of his driving style, but also because he always stays himself. That makes him unique,” Schieren said, called for a more nuanced view of the penalties.

The discussion about Verstappens punishes at a time when the 2025 championship is more exciting than ever. McLaren dominates with Piastri and Norris, while Red Bull is struggling with inconsistency in the performance of the RB21. Verstappen, who already has four world titles to his name, remains a class of its own, but the pressure to defend his title is immense. Villeneuve praised Verstappens ability to make the difference, even in a lesser car. “He is a machine,” he said in the Red Flags podcast. “Even if the car is not perfect, he finds a way to win. But that does not mean that it is above the rules.”

While the season continues, the controversy around the FIA and Verstappen keeps the minds involved. For many fans it is a matter of loyalty to their driver, while others, such as Villeneuve, argue for a broader view of the sport. Whether the accusations of manipulation are true or not, one thing is certain: Max Verstappen remains the center of Formula 1, both on and off the track. With a few more races to go, the world will continue to see how this battle unfolds, both in the cockpit and in the public arena.