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.
