Max Verstappen has been disqualified from his third-place finish at the Grand Prix. The FIA upheld a complaint over the use of an illegal engine. The penalty includes a hefty fine. The Dutch driver loses crucial points. Red Bull faces additional investigations.
The news broke after the race in Mexico. Inspectors detected anomalies in the Honda engine. The fuel flow exceeded the permitted limits. This violates the 2025 technical regulations. Verstappen denies any intentional wrongdoing.
The Red Bull team defends its star driver. They claim it was a calibration error. However, the FIA considers the infringement serious. The disqualification is immediate and retroactive. The stewards acted with unusual speed.
Christian Horner expressed outrage at the press conference. He said they will appeal the decision before the International Court. The fine amounts to 500,000 euros. Additionally, Red Bull loses 15 constructors’ points. The championship becomes drastically more complicated.
Rivals celebrate the sanction in private. Mercedes and Ferrari automatically move up positions. Lewis Hamilton climbs to third place. Charles Leclerc inherits valuable points. The fight for the title intensifies now.
Verstappen maintains his lead by 28 points. But the gap is significantly reduced. Three races remain in the season. Every point matters in this final stretch. The Dutchman must win in Brazil.
The FIA published an official detailed statement. It explains the technical measurements during parc fermé. The engine showed suspicious power spikes. Telemetry data confirms the irregularity. There is no technical doubt.
Red Bull hired independent experts to analyze the issue. They argue that the control software failed. But the FIA rejects this explanation. They consider the team fully responsible. The sanction is meant as an example to others.
Fans react divided on social media. Some support Verstappen unconditionally. Others call for harsher penalties. The debate over fair play dominates. Formula 1 is living tense moments.
Verstappen’s history includes previous controversies. But never such a serious disqualification. His image as a clean driver is affected. Sponsors are watching with concern. The commercial impact could be significant.
Honda, the engine supplier, issued a statement. They insist they complied with all specifications. Responsibility lies with Red Bull. This creates obvious internal tensions. The technical partnership is shaking.
The next race in Interlagos will be crucial. Verstappen needs a convincing victory. He must prove his superiority without illegal aids. Psychological pressure increases exponentially. His maturity will be put to the test.
The stewards will review all remaining engines. Red Bull must open its facilities. Transparency is now mandatory. Any further irregularity would mean worse sanctions. 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. It reached 105 kg/hour on the straight. This explains his superior speed.
Engineers detected the problem after the race. They attempted to justify it with manipulated data. But the FIA has original copies. The evidence is clear and irrefutable. There is no possible escape.
Verstappen spoke with Dutch media. He said he trusts his technical team. But he accepts the sanction sportingly. He promises to come back stronger than ever. His determination impresses many.
Formula 1 needs clear examples. The FIA acts to maintain credibility. Technical cheating harms the show. Fans deserve clean competition. This decision sends a strong message.
The 2025 championship has been thrilling. Wheel-to-wheel battles have defined races. But technical controversies tarnish the sport. Integrity must always prevail. Drivers compete with honor.
Red Bull dominated the last seasons. Four consecutive titles for Verstappen. But success attracts greater scrutiny. Every detail is analyzed thoroughly. The pressure is constant and intense.
The appeal will be filed in two weeks. The Court of Appeal will decide the outcome. Red Bull is preparing strong arguments. It includes testimony from expert engineers. The legal battle begins now.
Meanwhile, preparation for Brazil continues. Verstappen is training intensely in the simulator. He adjusts his aggressive driving style. He must compensate for the loss of power. The strategy changes completely.
Bookmakers adjust their odds dramatically. Verstappen remains the title favorite. But the probabilities are now more balanced. Hamilton and Leclerc gain ground. Excitement reaches its peak.
Formula 1 is constantly evolving. Hybrid engines are complex. The budget cap complicates development. Teams search for minimal advantages. But crossing the line has consequences.
In conclusion, this sanction sets a precedent. The FIA demonstrates technical authority. Verstappen will learn from this mistake. His legacy remains intact for now. The show must go on track.
