Jos Verstappen questions potential FIA stewards bias against Max
Jos Verstappen has urged the FIA to “take a good look at the composition of the stewards” following son Max’s penalties during the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Three-time F1 champion Verstappen was hit with two 10-second time penalties following separate lap 10 incidents with rival Lando Norris.
In tandem with a lack of race pace from Verstappen’s Red Bull, the Dutchman finished a minute adrift of race-winner Carlos Sainz in his Ferrari in sixth position.
With McLaren driver Norris runner-up, Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ standings has been cut to 47 points with four grands prix and two sprints remaining to conclude the season.
Verstappen Sr is adamant, though, his son will not change how he races despite the penalties for forcing Norris off track, and also running the Briton wide and gaining an advantage.
“Norris is now thinking even more, ‘I have to be careful’,” said Verstappen Sr, speaking to De Telegraaf, who acknowledged his son was rash with the Turn 7 incident when he divebombed Norris.
“If you look at Sunday’s actions, Max’s second moment was perhaps a bit too much. But he lets this happen to him. You can talk about it for a long time, but it doesn’t make any difference.
“Max has to drive the way he wants. He has to do this because the car is not good enough and he is doing everything he can to win the title. But Max is not going to change his driving style.”
Verstappen – Is there a conflict of interest?
Verstappen Sr went on to add that “there were a few stewards present who don’t like him anyway”.
The stewards panel in Mexico City comprised former F1 driver Johnny Herbert; experienced motorsports executive and official Tim Mayer, who is also the son of former McLaren team principal Teddy; lawyer Loïc Bacquelaine, and experienced Mexican official Alfonso Oros Trigueros.
Verstappen Sr added: “The FIA should take a good look at the composition of the stewards, who they put there and whether there is any appearance of a conflict of interest. For example, former drivers who have more sympathy for certain drivers or riders.”
Additionally undermining Verstappen’s title defence is the RB20, which was particularly found wanting around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez during the race.
“As far as Max is concerned, the most important thing is that the basis, the car, is not good,” added Verstappen Sr. “You could see that in the performance of his team-mate. Even Haas was faster than Red Bull in the race.”
