The Formula 1 world is in turmoil due to the persistent tensions between Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, and the FIA, led by President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. With Ben Sulayems period as FIA president who expires in 2025, rumors are circulating that he deliberately takes measures to thwart Verstappen and his team, Red Bull Racing. These speculations have been fueled by a series of controversial decisions and new rules that, according to critics, seem to be aimed at limiting Verstappens dominance. While Formula 1 is preparing for the Grand Prix of Austria, this situation casts a shadow over the sport and raises questions about the integrity of the race management.

Max Verstappen, who won his fourth world title in a row in 2024, has had an unparalleled success since his first championship in 2021. His performance, including an impressive victory from P17 in the rainy Grand Prix of Brazil, made him one of the largest drivers in Formula 1 history. With 65 Grand Prix victories and four world titles, he stands next to legends such as Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel. Yet his success seems to be accompanied by increasing tensions with the FIA. In recent years, Verstappen has repeatedly had collisions with the competition management, ranging from penalties for his driving style to controversies about his language. These incidents have led to speculation that Ben Sulayem, whose leadership is often under fire, carries a personal vendetta against the Dutchman.

One of the most controversial moments was Verstappen’s punishment in Singapore in 2024, where he was sentenced to community service for the use of a swear word during a press conference. The FIA, under Ben Sulayems leadership, introduced stricter guidelines for language use, something that Verstappen openly criticized. During the subsequent press conference in Singapore, he deliberately answered questions short, supported by fellow drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, who found the punishment exaggerated. In Rwanda, during the FIA ​​Awards Gala, Verstappen had to perform an activity with junior drivers as part of his community service. This incident was seen by many as an example of the FIA’s attempt to discipline Verstappen, possibly as a retribution for his pronounced attitude.

Another controversial moment took place during the Spain Grand Prix in 2025, where Verstappen received a time penalty of ten seconds and three penalty points for his super license after a collision with George Russell. The FIA ​​ruled that Verstappen made intentional contact, a decision that Red Bull and Verstappen themselves strongly disputed. According to the stewards, Russell had previously pushed the Dutchman off the track, but the punishment for Verstappen remained standing. With eleven penalty points on his license, only one point away from a suspension, Verstappen balances on the edge. Formula 1 analyst Jeroen Bleekemolen noted that Verstappen is not concerned about this: “He thinks: find it out, I drive the way I always drive.” Nevertheless, the situation has fueled the speculation about a targeted campaign against Verstappen.

Critics point out that Ben Sulayem, whose term as FIA president ends in 2025, may use his power to leave a final mark on the sport. The introduction of stricter rules around wheel-on-wheel fights and technical specifications, such as the tests on front wings in 2025, seems to be more important than others. Red Bull, which struggled in 2024 to keep track of the speed of McLaren and Ferrari, was confronted with challenges by these rule changes. Although McLaren won the constructors’ championship, Verstappen managed to win his fourth title, even though he did not have the fastest car according to many. This success underlines its exceptional talent, but also fed the rumors that the FIA ​​consciously raised obstacles to break its dominance.

The tensions between Verstappen and the FIA ​​are not new. Already in 2016, when Verstappen rode before Toro Rosso, he received a “soft warning” from competition leader Charlie Whiting for his aggressive driving style during the Grand Prix of Belgium. His defensive maneuvers, such as blocking Kimi Räikkönen, led to a change of line that forbade moving under braking. These early confrontations seem to have set a pattern, with Verstappen often in the sights of the race management. In 2024 the situation continued with the Horner-Controverse, in which Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was accused of cross-border behavior. Although Horner was acquitted, the case led to internal unrest at Red Bull, and rumors that Verstappen and adviser Helmut Marko would leave the team, strengthened the speculation about external pressure.

The suggestion that Ben Sulayem takes “revenge” comes from the perception that he uses his position to settle personal accounts. His leadership is often criticized for inconsistent decisions and a lack of transparency. The punishment for Verstappen in Spain, where Red Bull was wrongly asked to give back to Russell, according to the stewards, was seen by many as an example of arbitrariness. Verstappen himself expressed his frustration about Russell, stating in the media: “I have never experienced a driver who tried to sew someone else so hard.” This eruption, although emotionally, reflects the growing frustration within the Red Bull camp about the treatment by the FIA.

Despite these controversies, Verstappen remains focused on his performance. His fourth title in 2024, achieved in Las Vegas, was a triumph of consistency and teamwork. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner praed Verstappens deployment: “He has been excellent this year, not only in the cockpit, but also beyond. The way he collaborated with the engineers and technicians was phenomenal.” Verstappen himself emphasized the challenges of the season: “It was very challenging for me as a person, and I had to stay calm. At one point the car was very difficult to drive, but we continued to work together.” His ability to win the title in a less competitive RB20 shows why he is considered one of the greats, alongside Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.

For 2025, Verstappen and Red Bull face new challenges. With the arrival of new rules in 2026, which Verstappen himself labels as “unpredictable”, and the competition from McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes, the battle for a fifth title will be difficult. Moreover, the FIA ​​has announced that the guidelines for wheel-to-wheel fights will be revised again, which may affect Verstappens uncompromising driving style. Analyst Alex Jacques noted: “It will be interesting to see if his approach should be adjusted.” In the meantime, the threat of a suspension lingers, with Verstappen at eleven penalty points. The Grand Prix of Austria, where Red Bull is traditionally strong, offers an opportunity to score points, but also a risk of further confrontations with the stewards.

The rumors about Ben Sulayems “revenge” remain speculative, but they reflect a broader dissatisfaction within the Formula 1 community. Fans on platforms such as X express their frustration about the FIA’s approach, with messages such as: “Ben Sulayem tries to break Max before he leaves!” And “the rules always seem to be against Red Bull.” Although these claims have not been fully proven, the series of punishments and rule changes has created the impression that Verstappen is a target. With the arrival of a new FIA president in 2026, fans hope for a fairer and more transparent race management. For now, Verstappen remains determined, ready to silence his critics with his performance on the circuit.