12 Max Verstappen Controversies That Shook the F1 World
Max Verstappen has been one of the most talked-about figures in Formula 1, balancing his undeniable talent with a penchant for controversy. This article delves into some of the most contentious moments of Verstappen’s career, highlighting incidents that have sparked debates about racing ethics, sportsmanship, and the evolving regulations in F1. From aggressive driving tactics to off-track altercations, Verstappen’s actions continue to resonate within the motorsport community, leaving a lasting impact on the sport’s narratives and rulebook.
12. Controversial Overtaking Defense Tactics and Moving Under Braking
Max Verstappen has repeatedly drawn criticism for his aggressive defensive maneuvers, especially for moving under braking—a tactic banned for safety reasons. His clashes with Lando Norris in Austria and recent incidents with Oscar Piastri highlight how these actions have kept him at the center of F1’s racing conduct debates, prompting updated rules for 2025.
11. FIA Punishment for Using Profanity in 2023 Singapore Press Conference
In September 2024, Max Verstappen was penalized by the FIA for swearing during a Singapore Grand Prix press conference. Citing the need for drivers to set an example, stewards ordered Verstappen to perform public interest work for using coarse language, reflecting a broader crackdown on profanity in F1 broadcasts.
10. Penalties for Aggressive Driving Against Norris at 2023 Mexico City Grand Prix
Max Verstappen made headlines at the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix after receiving two separate 10-second penalties during a fierce battle with Lando Norris. The stewards ruled Verstappen forced Norris off track and then gained an unfair advantage by leaving the track himself, dropping Verstappen to sixth place and earning him two penalty points.
9. Double Red Bull Crash with Daniel Ricciardo
In the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Verstappen and teammate Ricciardo had a catastrophic collision on lap 40. After battling throughout the race, Verstappen made a late defensive move in the braking zone, leaving Ricciardo nowhere to go. Both drivers were reprimanded by stewards, who deemed them equally responsible for the crash that ultimately contributed to Ricciardo’s decision to leave Red Bull.
8. Battle with Lando Norris at 2025 Miami Grand Prix
The opening lap of the 2025 Miami GP saw Verstappen and Norris come within millimeters of crashing at Turn 2. After Verstappen went wide at Turn 1, Norris attempted to overtake on the outside of Turn 2 but was forced off track. Norris later complained that with Verstappen, it’s “crash or don’t pass,” though stewards deemed no investigation necessary for the incident.
7. Boycott Threat After Being Booed at 2025 F1 Car Launch Event
At the 2025 F1 season launch in London, Max Verstappen faced loud boos from British fans, prompting him to threaten a boycott of future UK-based launch events. Despite Verstappen’s joking response, his father called the reception “unacceptable.” The FIA condemned the “tribalist” fan behavior and urged respect for competitors.
6. Offensive Radio Comments at 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix
During practice at the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen caused uproar by using ableist and racist slurs over team radio after colliding with Lance Stroll. Verstappen initially refused to apologize, sparking condemnation from advocacy groups. He later admitted the language was “not correct” and vowed to do better.
5. Ignoring Team Orders to Help Sergio Perez in Brazil 2022
At the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen made headlines by refusing a direct team order to let Sergio Perez retake sixth place, crucial for Perez’s championship fight. Verstappen defied the instruction on the final lap, sparking public friction within Red Bull and heated post-race radio exchanges.
4. Abu Dhabi 2021 Championship Controversy
The 2021 season finale saw Verstappen claim his first world title in highly controversial circumstances. Race Director Michael Masi incorrectly applied F1’s rulebook by allowing only selected lapped cars to overtake the safety car and restarting the race immediately, contrary to regulations. This “human error,” as later confirmed by the FIA, gave Verstappen a last-lap opportunity to overtake Hamilton on fresh tires, securing a championship that remains contentious to this day.
3. Car Landing on Top of Hamilton at Monza 2021
During the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen’s Red Bull dramatically launched over Hamilton’s Mercedes at the second chicane. The right rear tire rolled over Hamilton’s cockpit, with his helmet making contact before the halo deflected the car away. Verstappen received a three-place grid penalty for Sochi after stewards deemed him primarily at fault for the championship-defining collision.
2. Collision with Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone 2021
Verstappen and Hamilton collided at high speed during the first lap at Copse corner, sending Max into the barriers at 51G. The stewards deemed Hamilton “predominantly at fault” with a 10-second penalty. Recently, Verstappen revealed he’s suffered vision problems since this crash, especially on bumpy tracks and circuits with numerous advertising boards.
1. Pushing Esteban Ocon After the 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix
Max Verstappen made headlines in 2018 after a dramatic clash with Esteban Ocon at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Following a collision that cost Verstappen a likely win, he confronted Ocon post-race, shoving him several times in the FIA garage. Verstappen received a two-day public service penalty for the altercation.
Conclusion:
Max Verstappen’s career has been marked by a series of high-profile controversies that have shaped public perception and incited change within Formula 1. As the sport continues to evolve, the scrutiny on drivers’ behavior and adherence to regulations grows ever more intense. Verstappen’s legacy will likely be defined by his on-track prowess and the pivotal role he played in challenging and refining the norms of racing conduct. As F1 moves forward, the lessons learned from these incidents will undoubtedly influence future generations of drivers and the structural integrity of the sport itself.
