Max Verstappen has been disqualified from his third-place finish in the Grand Prix. The FIA upheld a complaint for illegal engine use. The penalty includes a hefty fine. The Dutch driver loses crucial points. Red Bull faces further investigation.
The news broke after the race in Mexico. Inspectors detected anomalies in the Honda engine. The fuel flow exceeded permitted limits. This violates the 2025 technical regulations. Verstappen denies any intentional wrongdoing.
The Red Bull team is defending its star driver. They claim it was a calibration error. However, the FIA considers the infraction serious. The disqualification is immediate and retroactive. The stewards acted with unusual speed.
Christian Horner expressed outrage at a press conference. He said they would appeal the decision to the International Court of Justice. The fine amounts to €500,000. Furthermore, Red Bull loses 15 points in the constructors’ championship. The championship has become drastically more complicated.
The rivals celebrate the penalty privately. Mercedes and Ferrari automatically gain positions. Lewis Hamilton moves up to third place. Charles Leclerc inherits valuable points. The title fight now intensifies.
Verstappen maintains his lead by 28 points. But the gap is narrowing significantly. There are three races left in the season. Every point counts in this final stretch. The Dutchman must win in Brazil.
The FIA released a detailed official statement. It explains technical measurements taken during parc fermé. The engine showed suspicious power spikes. Telemetry data confirms the irregularity. There is no room for technical doubt.
Red Bull hired independent experts to analyze the situation. They argue that the control software malfunctioned. But the FIA rejects this explanation. They consider the team entirely responsible. The penalty serves as a warning to others.
Fans are reacting in a divided way on social media. Some are unconditionally supporting Verstappen. Others are calling for harsher penalties. The debate about fair play is dominating. Formula 1 is experiencing tense times.
Verstappen’s history includes previous controversies, but never such a serious disqualification. His image as a clean driver is tarnished. Sponsors are watching with concern. The commercial impact could be significant.
Honda, the engine supplier, issued a statement. They asserted that they met all specifications. The responsibility now lies with Red Bull. This has created obvious internal tensions. The technical partnership is on shaky ground.
The next race at Interlagos will be crucial. Verstappen needs a convincing victory. He must demonstrate superiority without illegal assistance. The psychological pressure is increasing exponentially. His maturity will be put to the test.
The stewards will inspect all remaining engines. Red Bull must open its facilities. Transparency is now mandatory. Any further irregularities would mean harsher penalties. The team is walking on thin ice.
The 2025 regulations are stricter than ever. They limit fuel flow to 100 kg/hour. Verstappen’s engine exceeded this limit, reaching 105 kg/hour on the straights. This explains his higher speed.
The engineers detected the problem after the race. They tried to justify it with manipulated data. But the FIA has original copies. The evidence is irrefutable and clear. There is no way out.
Verstappen spoke to Dutch media. He said he trusts his coaching staff. But he accepts the suspension as a sporting matter. He promises to come back stronger than ever. His determination impresses many.
Formula 1 needs clear examples. The FIA is acting to maintain credibility. Technical cheating damages the spectacle. Fans deserve clean competition. This decision sends a strong message.
The 2025 championship has been thrilling. Wheel-to-wheel battles defined races. But technical controversies tarnish the sport. Integrity must always prevail. Drivers compete with honor.
Red Bull dominated the last few seasons. Four consecutive titles for Verstappen. But success brings greater scrutiny. Every detail is analyzed in minute detail. The pressure is constant and intense.
The appeal will be filed in two weeks. The Court of Appeal will make the final decision. Red Bull is preparing strong arguments, including testimony from expert engineers. The legal battle begins now.
Meanwhile, preparations for Brazil continue. Verstappen is training intensely in the simulator. He’s fine-tuning his aggressive driving style. He needs to compensate for the power loss. The strategy is changing completely.
Bookmakers are adjusting their odds dramatically. Verstappen remains the title favorite. But the odds are becoming more balanced. Hamilton and Leclerc are gaining ground. The excitement is reaching its peak.
Formula 1 is constantly evolving. Hybrid engines are complex. The budget cap complicates development. Teams seek even the smallest advantages. But crossing the line has consequences.
In conclusion, this penalty sets a precedent. The FIA demonstrates its technical authority. Verstappen will learn from this mistake. His legacy remains intact for now. The show must go on.
