Max Verstappen dazzled everyone with a rip-roaring performance at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix as he manoeuvred through treacherous wet conditions, fought his way from P17 to the front of the grid and clinched the race win. The Dutchman had faced a series of penalties including a 10 second penalty from qualifying and a 10-place grid penalty for a new engine.
Meanwhile, McLaren’s Lando Norris, who started from Pole position after a swap with teammate Oscar Piastri in qualifying that ensured Norris the pole, ended the race in a disappointing sixth position. The day was extra special for Alpine who achieved a shocking 2-3 finish, making the podium shake-up one of the biggest stories from Interlagos.
However, fans brought another twist to the season with criticism of the FIA’s decisions, sparking widespread accusations of favouritism.
Verstappen’s Accusations of Bias after Mexican GP Controversy
Verstappen had clashed with Norris in a feisty battle for lead at the Mexico GP a week earlier, tensions already high after the British driver had made quips at Verstappen following his recent successes.
At the Mexico GP, Norris accused the RedBull driver of deliberately causing a collision that put Norris out of the race as Verstappen finished P5. British steward Johnny Herbert publicly called out Verstappen’s leftward move as “deliberate” and aimed at intimidating Norris.
Later stewards imposed two 10-second penalties on Verstappen, a decision that raised eyebrows, drawing strong reaction from Max and his father. Jos Verstappen accused the stewards of being favoured towards the British driver and team, especially Norris and McLaren. Max further fueled the argument by pointing out ‘inconsistency’ in stewarding decisions. Fans ultimately echoed Max’s sentiments and accused the FIA of pro-British bias.
Controversial VSC Deployment during Brazilian GP Sprint and Qualifying
During the recently concluded Brazilian GP Sprint, FIA’s timing with the deployment of a Virtual Safety Car (VSC). A technical issue with Nico Hulkenberg’s HAAS left him stranded on the track on Lap 20 but FIA only issued a VSC two laps later, causing uproar among fans. The delay of the VSC coincided with McLaren’s driver swap allowing him to gain advantage and secure pole position. With Lando in the lead and Piastri guarding his position from Max, RedBull lost all advantage, as fans questioned FIA’s motives with the timing of the VSC.
The governing body has been under fire for their leniency towards McLaren, especially since it has been learned that Tim Mayer, son of McLaren co-founder Teddy Mayer served as one of the stewards. The overlapping incidents have amplified accusations from fans of partiality towards McLaren and Lando Norris.
FIA’s Controversial Language Penalties: Verstappen and Leclerc in Focus
The FIA’s handling of language rules has also stirred debate among fans. With both Max Vertsappen and Charles Leclerc both getting penalised for swearing in press conferences but receiving different consequences, Verstappen is convinced he is unfairly targeted. Although both were penalised, Versteppen received community service while Charles was fined €10,000. The 27 year-old Dutchman has voiced his frustration over the disparity and implied that the FIA is biassed.
Public Reaction and Calls for Fairness
As the season progresses, the F1 community is pushing the governing body for an open decision-making process, fans have taken to social media to voice their frustrations, while some made memes, others were genuinely concerned over inconsistencies in the FIA’s decisions in the recent past and the future of the sport. It remains to be seen whether or not FIA addresses the growing concerns as they lose public confidence. But one thing is certain, F1 fans are watching closely and are demanding fair and unbiased officiating.