Max Verstappen could avoid controversial punishment under new FIA leadership

A change in FIA leadership could see defending Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen avoid further controversial punishment that he's already suffered at the hands of.

The Red Bull world champion, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, both faced penalties for use of offensive language in post-race press conferences towards the end of 2024.

While at the end of last year Verstappen was not fined for use of language that was deemed “coarse, rude or may cause offence”, he instead had to complete F1’s equivalent of community service after using an expletive following the Singapore grand prix.

New guidelines in January outlined by the FIA suggested that F1 drivers could receive points deductions or a ban for misconduct violations, which includes swearing.

Earlier this year, Verstappen said: “Of course, I understand that you cannot always swear everywhere you go.

“I think we all understand that as racing drivers, but sometimes, in the heat of the moment or when you get interviewed, when you're in your car or whatever, you've just had an adrenaline rush or whatever, sometimes things slip out a little bit.”

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FIA change to benefit Verstappen?

However, a change in FIA leadership may work in Verstappen’s favour, with official Tim Mayer set to announce he is running for presidency of the FIA ahead of December’s elections.

Mayer, who was sacked by the FIA in November, has previously spoken out about the enforcement of penalties for drivers using offensive language.

“Technically, bad language is outlawed, so it's not unfair. Whether it's sensible we should be chasing drivers for rather mild swearing is another matter,” Mayer said back in November.

“Most drivers, English is their second, third or fourth language, and every go-kart kid in the world, it's the first word[s] they are taught in English. There are other ways to handle that kind of thing unless your desire is to flex your muscles.”

Mayer is set to hold a press conference this week ahead of the British grand prix, where he is expected to announce his decision to run for FIA presidency.

Verstappen could be free to speak his mind under new FIA leadership (Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Too little, too late for Verstappen for 2025?

Verstappen will hope for an upturn in fortunes when he takes to the track at Silverstone this weekend.

The Red Bull racer finds himself off the pace in the race to land a fifth successive Drivers’ Championship, with Verstappen 61 points behind leader Oscar Piastri.

Verstappen is looking to win at Silverstone for just the third time in his career having followed up his 2020 triumph with first place in 2023. He finished second to Lewis Hamilton in the 2024 British GP.