Why Max Verstappen Won’t Face Further FIA Punishment
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Max Verstappen will not face further punishment from the FIA despite his 'stupid idiots' comment about the stewards during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Why Max Verstappen Doesn’t Have to Fear Another FIA Punishment
Despite calling the stewards "stupid idiots" in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen will not face further disciplinary action from the FIA.
FIA Declares Verstappen's Case 'Closed' After Abu Dhabi Outburst
Max Verstappen’s frustration with Formula 1 stewards boiled over during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he openly criticized them over team radio. However, despite his inflammatory comments, the FIA has decided not to take further action.
Verstappen, who engaged in an intense title battle with Lando Norris throughout the season, had multiple run-ins with the stewards in the final rounds of the championship. Penalized in four of the last five races for various infractions, including forcing Norris off track in Mexico and driving too slowly during a cooldown lap in Qatar, the Red Bull driver saw his frustration peak in Abu Dhabi.
The Incident: Verstappen’s Abu Dhabi Controversy
During the opening lap at Yas Marina, Verstappen collided with Oscar Piastri at Turn 1, earning a 10-second penalty. Piastri, who was less than impressed with the move, sarcastically called it “a move of a World Champion.”
Verstappen, on the other hand, was furious with the stewards' decision and vented his frustration over the radio, saying, “Could we ask for 20 seconds? Stupid idiots!” Despite the direct insult, no additional investigation was launched at the time.
FIA Opts Not to Pursue Further Action
According to reports from Motorsport.com, the FIA has decided not to investigate Verstappen’s remarks further, stating that the matter is "closed." This decision means Verstappen avoids additional penalties or public service obligations related to the incident.
The reigning four-time World Champion already has an FIA-mandated task ahead of him. Following an expletive-laden press conference in Singapore, where he described his RB20 as “f***ed,” Verstappen was ordered to complete "work of public interest" as a disciplinary measure. He is set to fulfill this requirement by participating in grassroots motorsport events in Rwanda before the upcoming FIA Awards.
Sky Sports Pundits Criticize Verstappen’s Comments
Verstappen’s remarks did not go unnoticed by the Formula 1 broadcast team, with Martin Brundle and David Croft offering strong opinions on the Red Bull driver’s criticism of the stewards.
"You can’t say that, that’s just not fair – they’re applying the regulations," said Brundle. "You don’t run into other people, then you won’t get the penalties."
"I understand the emotions," Croft added. "I understand that he’s annoyed, but he’s a four-time World Champion. It’s not going to make any difference to his finishing position in the championship, and he was the one that steamed down the inside and made contact with another car.
"Come on Max, you’re bigger than that, better than that."
Verstappen Nears Penalty Limit on Super Licence
Along with his 10-second penalty, Verstappen was also hit with two penalty points on his Super Licence in Abu Dhabi, bringing his tally to eight within a rolling 12-month period.
Formula 1’s penalty system dictates that if a driver accumulates 12 penalty points in a year, they face an automatic one-race suspension. While Verstappen is still below the threshold, his growing tally means he will need to exercise caution in early 2025.
Conclusion
Max Verstappen’s clashes with F1 stewards have been a major talking point during the 2024 season, but despite his latest outburst, the FIA has chosen not to take further action. With a packed season ahead and title rivals closing in, Verstappen will need to focus on avoiding unnecessary penalties and maintaining his championship dominance.
While the Dutch driver remains one of the most aggressive and outspoken figures in the sport, his recent encounters with the stewards serve as a reminder that even the best drivers must respect the regulations.
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