Criticism of Formula 1 practice
Verstappen: Half of all cars do not comply with the rules
12/25/2025 – 5:22 a.mReading time: 1 min.
Max Verstappen has expressed doubts about the fairness of the FIA controls. In his opinion, many teams would be affected if comprehensive checks were carried out.
Max Verstappen criticized the FIA’s technical controls after the Formula 1 finale in Abu Dhabi. In his opinion, if full inspections were carried out every weekend, “definitely half” of all cars would be non-compliant. The world champion emphasized that every team tries to push the limits of the regulations to the maximum.
Verstappen spoke out in favor of a comprehensive check of all 20 vehicles, but admitted that this could hardly be implemented from an organizational point of view. He described the current practice of random inspections as “a bit difficult”. “I don’t like that it’s a coincidence,” Verstappen told a documentary about him, as reported by Motorsportweek and Australian sports site Nine.
The background to the statements is the exclusion of both McLaren drivers in Las Vegas. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri lost their points due to unacceptable levels of wear on their vehicle floors. Verstappen benefited from the decision in the title fight and later called it “an early Christmas present”. However, despite winning, he was unable to win the title at the race in Abu Dhabi.
Several drivers were also disqualified in China. In addition to Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes, Alpine driver Pierre Gasly was also affected. Verstappen explained that the cars could be built legally without any problems – but it was common practice to push them to the limit.