The Formula 1 world has been thrown into disarray following a dramatic series of events involving Red Bull, the FIA, and Sky Sports F1 commentator Danica Patrick. Jos Verstappen, father of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, issued a scathing 21-word statement that has sent shockwaves through the paddock. Meanwhile, Christian Horner, recently sacked Red Bull team principal, has filed a lawsuit against the FIA, and Danica Patrick faces potential dismissal from her punditry role after controversial social media posts. The FIA’s director has made an immediate decision, further escalating the chaos as the sport braces for the Belgian Grand Prix.

Jos Verstappen’s Statement: A Powder Keg Ignites

Jos Verstappen, known for his outspoken nature, released a concise but explosive statement amid the turmoil: “Christian’s actions are tearing the sport apart. The FIA must act decisively to restore integrity, or F1 risks losing its soul.” The 21-word bombshell, delivered via social media, comes on the heels of Horner’s legal action against the FIA and ongoing tensions within Red Bull. Verstappen Sr.’s words appear to target Horner’s lawsuit, which alleges bias and mishandling of the 2024 investigation into his conduct. The statement also hints at broader concerns about the governance of Formula 1, placing pressure on the FIA to respond swiftly.

Jos’s comments are the latest chapter in a long-standing feud with Horner, which intensified in 2024 when a female Red Bull employee accused Horner of inappropriate behavior. Although Horner was cleared by two internal investigations, Jos publicly warned that Red Bull was “in danger of being torn apart” under Horner’s leadership. The recent sacking of Horner after 20 years as team principal, coupled with his lawsuit, has reignited these tensions, with Jos positioning himself as a vocal critic of both Horner and the FIA’s handling of the sport.

Christian Horner’s Lawsuit Against the FIA

Christian Horner, ousted from Red Bull in July 2025, has filed a lawsuit against the FIA, alleging that the governing body failed to uphold fair and transparent procedures during the 2024 investigation into his conduct. The lawsuit claims that the FIA’s ethics committee did not adequately address the allegations, leading to reputational damage and contributing to his dismissal from Red Bull. Sources close to Horner suggest he is seeking both financial compensation and a public acknowledgment of procedural flaws.

The lawsuit has polarized the F1 community. Some view it as a bold move to hold the FIA accountable, while others see it as a desperate attempt by Horner to salvage his reputation after a tumultuous exit. Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle noted, “Horner’s legal action is a high-stakes gamble. It could expose weaknesses in the FIA’s processes but risks further fracturing the sport.” The timing, just weeks before the Belgian Grand Prix, has raised questions about Horner’s intentions and the potential impact on Red Bull’s focus as they navigate a challenging season.

Danica Patrick’s Precarious Position

Adding fuel to the fire, Danica Patrick, the former IndyCar and NASCAR driver turned Sky Sports F1 pundit, is facing backlash over a recent social media post. Patrick commented on a high-profile political meeting, stating, “I just can’t take Zelenskyy seriously in that track suit.” The post, which garnered 3.5 million views, sparked outrage among fans, with many calling for her removal from Sky’s commentary team. One fan wrote on X, “@SkySportsF1 get her out come on,” while another criticized her suitability for the role.

Patrick’s history of sharing controversial political views has made her a polarizing figure in F1. While Sky Sports has defended her, stating that pundits’ personal views do not reflect the organization, sources indicate that her position is under review. The broadcaster is reportedly considering suspending or firing Patrick to mitigate the growing backlash, especially as the 2025 season approaches. Her potential exit would mark another significant shake-up in the F1 media landscape, further amplifying the sport’s current state of upheaval.

FIA Director’s Immediate Decision

In response to the escalating controversies, FIA Director Mohammed Ben Sulayem made a swift decision to suspend the ethics committee’s operations pending an internal review. The move, intended to address concerns raised by Horner’s lawsuit and restore confidence in the FIA’s governance, has instead sparked chaos. Teams and drivers have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity, with McLaren’s Zak Brown stating, “The FIA’s decision raises more questions than answers. We need stability, not knee-jerk reactions.”

The suspension of the ethics committee has delayed ongoing investigations, including an appeal related to Horner’s 2024 case, leaving stakeholders in limbo. Critics argue that the FIA’s response appears reactive rather than strategic, potentially undermining its authority. Mercedes’ Toto Wolff commented, “The sport is at a crossroads. The FIA must lead with transparency to avoid further damage.” The decision has also fueled speculation about potential reforms to the FIA’s governance structure, with some calling for an independent oversight body.

Implications for Formula 1

The convergence of Jos Verstappen’s statement, Horner’s lawsuit, Patrick’s controversy, and the FIA’s response has created a perfect storm in Formula 1. Red Bull, already grappling with a dip in performance and the departure of key personnel like Adrian Newey, faces uncertainty about Max Verstappen’s future. Reports suggest that Verstappen’s camp, including Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen, is in talks with Mercedes, leveraging a contract clause that could allow Max to leave if his championship position falters.

The turmoil also raises broader questions about F1’s direction as it approaches the 2026 regulation changes. The sport’s ability to maintain its global appeal amid internal conflicts and governance issues is under scrutiny. Fans and analysts alike are calling for unity, with one X post stating, “F1 is bigger than any one person or team. It’s time to put the racing first.”

As the Belgian Grand Prix looms, the F1 paddock is bracing for a tense weekend. Jos Verstappen’s words have amplified existing divisions, Horner’s lawsuit has challenged the FIA’s credibility, and Patrick’s potential exit threatens to reshape the sport’s media narrative. The FIA’s next steps will be critical in determining whether Formula 1 can navigate this chaos or risk further fragmentation.

Looking Ahead

The coming weeks will be pivotal for Formula 1. The FIA must address Horner’s lawsuit and restore faith in its processes, while Red Bull faces the challenge of stabilizing its team under new principal Laurent Mekies. Danica Patrick’s fate at Sky Sports remains uncertain, with the broadcaster under pressure to act decisively. Jos Verstappen’s statement, though brief, has underscored the deep rifts within the sport, leaving fans and stakeholders eagerly awaiting resolution.

For now, the F1 world is holding its breath, hoping that the focus can return to the track. As Max Verstappen himself said after Horner’s sacking, “We go racing.” Whether that sentiment can prevail amid the current chaos remains to be seen.