FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has directed pointed criticism toward Max Verstappen and other Formula 1 drivers regarding their response to new regulations being implemented by the sport’s governing body. The comments suggest growing tension between race officials and the driver community over recent rule changes that have sparked debate within the paddock.
While specific details of Ben Sulayem’s remarks were not fully disclosed, the criticism appears to center on drivers’ public objections to new FIA policies. Verstappen, the three-time world champion, has been among the more vocal critics of certain regulatory decisions this season, particularly regarding penalties and race procedures that have affected competitive outcomes.
The dispute highlights an ongoing power struggle between the FIA and drivers over how the sport should be governed and regulated. Driver representatives have increasingly pushed back against what they perceive as inconsistent or overly harsh enforcement of rules, while the FIA maintains its authority to implement changes it deems necessary for safety and competitive integrity.