In a dramatic escalation of tensions within the Formula 1 paddock, Jos Verstappen, father of reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen, has reportedly filed a lawsuit against the FIA, the sport’s governing body, following controversial decisions made during the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. The lawsuit, which has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, centers on what Jos Verstappen claims were “unfavorable and biased” rulings that unfairly impacted his son’s performance during the rain-disrupted race. Jos Verstappen’s outspoken criticism, coupled with an unprecedented legal challenge, has ignited a firestorm, with the FIA issuing an immediate response that has further inflamed the situation.
The Belgian Grand Prix, held on July 27, 2025, was marred by challenging weather conditions, with heavy rain leading to an 80-minute delay and a prolonged period of safety car laps before a rolling start. The FIA’s cautious approach, driven by safety concerns at the notoriously treacherous Spa circuit, drew sharp criticism from several drivers and teams, including Red Bull, who had optimized their car setup for wet conditions. Max Verstappen, who finished fourth after being unable to capitalize on his wet-weather setup due to the delayed start, was vocal in his frustration, stating, “They just do what they want. They decide. I think it’s a shame for everyone.” Lewis Hamilton, another vocal critic, echoed Verstappen’s sentiments, calling the FIA’s response “excessive” and suggesting the race could have started earlier.
Jos Verstappen, never one to shy away from controversy, took the criticism to an unprecedented level by filing a lawsuit against the FIA, alleging that their decisions not only compromised the integrity of the race but also demonstrated a pattern of bias against his son. In a fiery statement to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Jos Verstappen declared, “The FIA is a disgrace, they are ruining Formula 1. If they don’t change, my son will leave Formula 1.” The threat of Max Verstappen, widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest talents, potentially exiting Formula 1 has sent ripples of concern through fans, teams, and stakeholders alike.
The lawsuit reportedly accuses the FIA of inconsistent decision-making and a lack of transparency in race control procedures. Sources close to the Verstappen camp suggest that Jos is particularly incensed by what he perceives as a recurring issue of the FIA targeting Max, pointing to previous incidents such as the 20-second penalty imposed at the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix for on-track conduct. The Belgian GP decisions, which negated Red Bull’s strategic gamble on a wet setup, appear to have been the tipping point for Jos, who has long been critical of the FIA’s governance. In May 2025, he publicly slammed the FIA for a mid-season rule change regarding wing flexibility, calling it a “stupid” decision that favored McLaren.
The FIA’s response to the lawsuit was swift and uncompromising. In an official statement released hours after news of the legal action broke, the FIA defended its decisions at the Belgian Grand Prix, emphasizing the priority of driver safety given Spa’s history of tragic incidents, including the fatalities of Anthoine Hubert in 2019 and Dilano van ’t Hoff in 2023. The statement read: “The FIA remains committed to ensuring the safety of all competitors and spectators. Decisions made during the Belgian Grand Prix were in line with established protocols and prioritized the well-being of those involved. We reject any claims of bias and will address this matter through appropriate legal channels.” The FIA’s firm stance stunned Max Verstappen, who, according to sources, was surprised by the governing body’s unyielding tone. “I didn’t expect them to double down like this,” Max reportedly told his team, further amplifying the controversy.
The motorsport community is now divided. Some, including drivers like George Russell and Charles Leclerc, have supported the FIA’s cautious approach, citing the inherent dangers of Spa in wet conditions. Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, called any alternative decision “stupidity,” emphasizing the poor visibility and spray that made racing hazardous. Others, however, including Red Bull’s new team principal Laurent Mekies, have sided with the Verstappens, questioning the FIA’s prolonged delay and its impact on teams that prepared for wet racing. The debate has reignited discussions about the balance between safety and competition, with critics arguing that Formula 1 risks losing its edge by avoiding classic wet-weather racing.
The lawsuit also raises questions about the FIA’s stewardship under Race Director Rui Marques, who has faced scrutiny for his handling of wet races. Max Verstappen’s comments post-race, where he suggested that drivers could “lift” if visibility was poor, underscored his belief that the FIA overreacted. The legal action could force a broader examination of the FIA’s decision-making processes, including calls for permanent driver stewards, a reform Jos Verstappen has previously advocated for.
As the Formula 1 circus heads into the summer break, the controversy shows no signs of abating. Fans on social media platforms like X are buzzing with opinions, with some hailing Jos Verstappen’s bold move as a stand against perceived FIA overreach, while others view it as an overreaction that could destabilize the sport. The prospect of Max Verstappen leaving Formula 1, though unlikely given his contract with Red Bull until 2028, adds a layer of intrigue to the saga. Red Bull, for their part, have remained relatively quiet, with Max expressing satisfaction with Mekies’ leadership but acknowledging ongoing car balance issues.
The outcome of Jos Verstappen’s lawsuit remains uncertain, but its implications are profound. A successful challenge could lead to significant changes in how the FIA manages races, while a dismissal might further strain relations between the Verstappen camp and the governing body. For now, Formula 1 is bracing for a legal and public relations battle that could reshape the sport’s governance and its approach to racing in challenging conditions. As the paddock awaits further developments, one thing is clear: the Verstappen-FIA feud has thrust Formula 1 into uncharted territory, with the potential to redefine the sport’s future.
