AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Ecclestone Blasts FIA Penalties, Calling Them ‘Madness’ After Verstappen’s Brazilian GP Masterclass

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
November 7, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Ecclestone Blasts FIA Penalties, Calling Them ‘Madness’ After Verstappen’s Brazilian GP Masterclass

May 27, 2011; MONACO; Formula One president Bernie Ecclestone before for the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix. Mandatory Credit: Andreas Pranter/GEPA via USA TODAY Sports

Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has waded into the growing debate around FIA penalties, accusing the governing body of “going too far” with punitive measures that, he believes, are sapping the thrill from Formula 1. Recent penalties at the Austin and Mexico Grands Prix, particularly two contentious 10-second penalties handed to Max Verstappen in Mexico, have pushed Ecclestone to speak out on what he calls “madness.”

Known for his hands-off approach during his tenure at the helm of Formula 1, Ecclestone argues that over-regulation is taking the edge off the sport. “In my time, I let drivers learn from their mistakes on the track rather than in the stewards’ office,” he said. “This extreme regulation just kills the excitement and unpredictability F1 used to have.”

Referring to the penalties imposed on Verstappen, Ecclestone didn’t mince words. “If penalties are given for minor things like these, what happens when there’s a genuinely serious incident? How much time will they pile on then?”

Ecclestone warned that F1 is becoming too sterile, too precise, and, ultimately, too predictable. “We’re going a bit too far, making everything too clean and methodical. These are not real races anymore. It’s not that the FIA is doing a bad job, but they haven’t really thought through the impact of such strict enforcement.”

Despite the swirling debate over penalties, Verstappen shone through the chaos, showcasing a stellar performance at the Brazilian GP. Starting from P17, he delivered a masterclass, rocketing up the field with surgical overtakes and setting lap after lap with impressive speed. Verstappen’s eighth victory of the season in Interlagos highlighted Red Bull’s return to form, aided by a fresh engine upgrade that team principal Christian Horner later praised as a game-changer.

Following Verstappen’s performance, Ecclestone reached out to Horner to offer his congratulations. “Bernie rang me after the race and said, ‘I’ve seen all the greats, but that’s one of the very best drives I’ve ever seen,’” Horner shared. For Ecclestone, who’s watched legends from Senna to Schumacher, such praise is rare and underscored his admiration for Verstappen’s relentless skill.

With Verstappen now pulling ahead in the drivers’ championship and edging out the competition, including main rival Lando Norris, his win in Brazil is more than a testament to his driving prowess—it’s a statement in the face of criticism and penalty drama that he remains the one to beat.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

NASCAR’s Thrilling $9.8 Million Las Vegas Jackpot: Who Will Claim the 2025 South Point 400 Glory?
Motorsports

NASCAR’s Thrilling $9.8 Million Las Vegas Jackpot: Who Will Claim the 2025 South Point 400 Glory?

NASCAR's Thrilling Showdown: Las Vegas Race Weekend Set to Dazzle with Massive Prize Purse! As the NASCAR playoffs heat up,...

by Arthur Ling
October 9, 2025
Danica Patrick Shocks Fans with Viral Workout Challenge Alongside Lara Trump and Tulsi Gabbard!
Motorsports

Danica Patrick Shocks Fans with Viral Workout Challenge Alongside Lara Trump and Tulsi Gabbard!

In an electrifying display of strength and celebrity camaraderie, NASCAR trailblazer Danica Patrick was spotted breaking a sweat alongside political...

by Harry Bright
October 9, 2025
Shane van Gisbergen Dominates NASCAR: Is He the Greatest Road Racer in History?
Motorsports

Shane van Gisbergen Dominates NASCAR: Is He the Greatest Road Racer in History?

© 2025 Gavin Baker

by Carl Smith
October 9, 2025
NASCAR’s 750HP Revolution: Will Next Gen Cars Face Catastrophic Durability Risks?
Motorsports

NASCAR’s 750HP Revolution: Will Next Gen Cars Face Catastrophic Durability Risks?

NASCAR's Power Surge: A 750HP Revolution or a Risky Gamble? In a seismic shift that has NASCAR fans buzzing, the...

by Carl Harrison
October 9, 2025

Recent News

Câmara de Cascais quer F1 de volta ao Estoril em 2028

The Cascais City Council wants F1 to return to Estoril in 2028.

October 10, 2025
NASCAR’s Thrilling $9.8 Million Las Vegas Jackpot: Who Will Claim the 2025 South Point 400 Glory?

NASCAR’s Thrilling $9.8 Million Las Vegas Jackpot: Who Will Claim the 2025 South Point 400 Glory?

October 9, 2025
Danica Patrick Shocks Fans with Viral Workout Challenge Alongside Lara Trump and Tulsi Gabbard!

Danica Patrick Shocks Fans with Viral Workout Challenge Alongside Lara Trump and Tulsi Gabbard!

October 9, 2025
Shane van Gisbergen Dominates NASCAR: Is He the Greatest Road Racer in History?

Shane van Gisbergen Dominates NASCAR: Is He the Greatest Road Racer in History?

October 9, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.