In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, former IndyCar and NASCAR driver turned Sky Sports F1 pundit Danica Patrick has accused the FIA, the sport’s governing body, of deliberately sabotaging Red Bull Racing and its star driver, Max Verstappen. The explosive claims, made during a recent episode of her podcast, Pretty Intense, have sparked heated debate among fans, teams, and analysts, reigniting discussions about the FIA’s impartiality in the high-stakes world of F1 racing. Patrick’s allegations center on what she perceives as a pattern of decisions unfairly targeting Red Bull, particularly in favor of British drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.

Patrick’s comments come at a time when Formula 1 is already grappling with controversies over race stewarding, technical regulations, and competitive balance. Her specific accusations point to the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, where Verstappen received a controversial penalty following a collision with Hamilton. “It’s becoming impossible to ignore,” Patrick stated on her podcast. “Every time Verstappen is in a position to win or dominate, it feels like there’s some interference. Whether it’s a technical regulation change or a questionable penalty, Red Bull and Max are under attack.” She went further, suggesting that the FIA’s decisions seem to favor British drivers, stating, “It’s hard to argue that they’re not pushing for a British winner at all costs.” These remarks, first reported by Luxury Blog on September 8, 2024, have fueled a firestorm of reactions across social media and the F1 paddock.

The context of Patrick’s claims is rooted in the intense rivalry between Verstappen, a three-time world champion, and his competitors, particularly Hamilton, who has won seven titles, and Norris, a rising star at McLaren. The 2024 season has been notably competitive, with Red Bull’s dominance—marked by Verstappen’s record-breaking 19 wins out of 22 races in 2023—challenged by closer performances from Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes. Patrick referenced several instances where she believes Verstappen faced unduly harsh penalties, while British drivers appeared to receive leniency. “I just don’t understand why every time Verstappen gets close to setting new records, something happens to pull him back,” she said, citing “too many coincidences” in FIA rulings.

Patrick’s allegations are not without precedent. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has previously hinted at potential bias, particularly after the Hungarian Grand Prix incident, stating, “Sometimes, we feel like the underdogs in this battle.” However, the team has refrained from directly accusing the FIA of systemic favoritism. Patrick’s outspoken comments, however, have drawn both support and criticism. Some fans and analysts agree that the FIA’s stewarding has been inconsistent, pointing to controversial decisions like those in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where race director Michael Masi’s handling of a late safety car period sparked outrage among Mercedes fans. Others, however, argue that Patrick’s claims are exaggerated and lack evidence, attributing Verstappen’s penalties to his aggressive driving style, which naturally invites scrutiny.

Critics of Patrick’s stance have been vocal, particularly on social media platforms like X, where fans have questioned her credibility due to her limited F1 racing experience compared to her IndyCar and NASCAR background. One user commented, “Danica’s expertise in open-wheel racing is undeniable, but her F1 commentary often lacks depth, and these conspiracy claims feel like a stretch.” Others have pointed out that the FIA’s decisions are subject to intense scrutiny and involve multiple stewards, making systemic bias difficult to orchestrate. A post on Reddit’s r/formula1 community dismissed the sabotage narrative, with a user stating, “Verstappen’s penalties are a result of his on-track actions, not some grand British conspiracy.”

Patrick’s role as a Sky Sports F1 pundit has itself been a lightning rod for controversy. Since joining the broadcast team in 2021 for the United States Grand Prix, she has faced backlash for various reasons, including her political views and perceived lack of F1-specific knowledge. Her recent comments about F1 being a “masculine” sport and her dismissal of the need for female representation on the grid have further alienated some fans, with many calling for her removal from Sky’s lineup. A petition circulating online, which garnered over 40,000 signatures, argued that her political affiliations and controversial statements clash with F1’s values of diversity and inclusion.

Despite this, Sky Sports has confirmed Patrick’s return for the 2025 season, though her absence from a promotional video raised eyebrows among fans.

Supporters of Patrick argue that her racing pedigree—highlighted by her historic 2008 IndyCar win, the only victory by a woman in the series—lends credibility to her perspective. They also note that her willingness to challenge the establishment resonates with fans frustrated by perceived inconsistencies in FIA governance. “Danica’s not afraid to call it like she sees it,” one supporter posted on X. “The FIA’s decisions have been questionable for years, and someone needs to say it.”

The FIA has not officially responded to Patrick’s accusations, but the organization has faced similar criticism in the past, particularly over transparency in stewarding decisions. The 2024 season’s tighter competition has only amplified scrutiny, with teams like Ferrari and McLaren closing the gap on Red Bull, leading to more contentious on-track battles. Patrick’s claims have also drawn attention to the broader issue of national bias in F1, a sport with deep European roots and a growing global audience. While some dismiss her allegations as conspiratorial, others see them as part of a necessary conversation about fairness in the sport.

As the 2025 season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix, all eyes will be on Verstappen, Red Bull, and the FIA. Whether Patrick’s accusations hold water or are merely provocative speculation, they have undeniably stirred the F1 community. For now, the debate rages on, with fans, drivers, and pundits alike awaiting the next chapter in this high-octane drama. Will Red Bull overcome the alleged challenges, or will the FIA’s decisions continue to shape the championship battle? Only time—and the stopwatch—will tell.