Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the embattled president of Formula 1's governing body, appears poised to scale back the stringent penalties introduced in the FIA's international sporting code, following widespread criticism from drivers across multiple motorsport disciplines.
At the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a visibly frustrated Max Verstappen was confronted by Ben Sulayem in parc ferme after receiving a 5-second penalty for cutting the first corner. The exchange was brief but tense, reflecting the quadruple world champion's ongoing discontent with the FIA's current regime.
Verstappen, who served community service over the winter for using the word "f*ck" in a 2024 FIA press conference, refused point-blank to discuss the Jeddah penalty with the media, citing the risk of further sanctions. "The problem is that I cannot share my opinion about it because I might get penalised," he said.
The FIA's new penalties, outlined in the sporting code's now infamous Appendix B, include hefty fines, points deductions, and even race bans for perceived misconduct, prompting backlash not only from Verstappen and his fellow Formula 1 drivers but also from competitors in other FIA-sanctioned series, such as world rally.
Verstappen's reticence peaked in Jeddah, where he sarcastically referenced the restrictive rules. "You can't be critical in any form that might 'harm or 'danger'—let me get the sheet out. There's a lot of lines," the 27-year-old quipped.
Amid mounting unrest within the FIA under Ben Sulayem's leadership, and with speculation growing about a challenge to his presidency in the upcoming elections, the FIA president has announced plans to reconsider the controversial measures.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Ben Sulayem said, "Following constructive feedback from drivers across our seven FIA world championships, I am considering making improvements to Appendix B. As a former rally driver, I understand the demands they face better than most. Humans make the rules and humans can improve the rules."
He continued, "This principle of continuous improvement is something I have always believed in and is at the heart of all we do at the FIA. By listening to one another and working collaboratively, we continue to drive a positive future for the sport we all care so deeply about."
Meanwhile, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher offered a different perspective on Verstappen's Jeddah frustration, suggesting it was not solely directed at the FIA. "I think he was more angry with himself," Schumacher told Sky Deutschland.
"Because he almost never makes mistakes, and he knew exactly that a bad start meant he had to take that shortcut to stay in front. And it really bothers him that it didn't work out."
