Max Verstappen faced criticism for a one-place grid penalty at the Qatar Grand Prix, despite his eventual victory, and now has the backing of 2009 Formula 1 champion Jenson Button. The penalty has reignited debates over the FIA’s consistency in stewarding decisions.
The Controversial Penalty
Verstappen, who had claimed pole position, was relegated to second on the grid for allegedly driving unnecessarily slowly during his final Q3 preparation lap. This incident involved a near-miss with George Russell, who had charged up behind Verstappen in a corner while also on a prep lap.
Despite the penalty, Verstappen launched well from second and comfortably claimed his ninth victory of the season at the Lusail International Circuit. However, many, including Button, remain perplexed by the FIA’s decision to penalize Verstappen while others in similar circumstances were only reprimanded.
Button’s Perspective
Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Button highlighted the inconsistency in how the FIA applied penalties for similar infractions.
Button pointed out that Fernando Alonso, ahead of Verstappen during the lap, was driving at the same speed but escaped punishment.
“It’s shocking to me that he got a penalty, it really is,” Button said. “He’s got the same distance to the car in front the whole way through Turn 12, 13.”
He emphasized that Verstappen’s actions didn’t appear deliberate, contrasting with how the penalty implied otherwise.
Inconsistencies in Stewarding
One of the primary criticisms from Button and others is the disparity in punishments.
- Verstappen was the only driver to receive a grid penalty for driving too slowly.
- Others in Qatar received only reprimands, even when they also exceeded the maximum delta time.
Button argued for a uniform approach, suggesting that all drivers who broke the rule should have been penalized equally. “Why would you give someone a reprimand for driving too slow? The rule’s there: you do not drive slower than the delta,” Button remarked. He called for immediate penalties in such cases, as it would deter future violations and ensure clarity in enforcement.
Wider Implications for the FIA
The incident has once again cast a spotlight on the FIA’s decision-making and the broader issue of consistency in stewarding.Critics argue that selective enforcement undermines the FIA’s credibility and leaves drivers and teams uncertain about the rules. Button’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among drivers, teams, and fans that the FIA needs to adopt a more transparent and standardized approach to penalties.
What’s Next for Verstappen and the FIA?
Max Verstappen’s ability to overcome penalties and still dominate races highlights his unparalleled skill and Red Bull’s superiority. However, the controversy surrounding his Qatar GP grid drop casts a shadow on the FIA’s credibility.
For Verstappen, the penalty was little more than a footnote, as he continues his remarkable season. However, such controversies have the potential to affect more tightly contested battles in the future. As Verstappen aims for sustained dominance, the FIA must ensure its actions don’t overshadow the sport’s competitive integrity.
The stakes are high for Formula 1. Without addressing these inconsistencies, the FIA risks alienating its audience and undermining trust in the championship’s fairness.
