In a dramatic twist to one of the most controversial moments of the 2025 Formula 1 season, McLaren’s Lando Norris has presented what he claims is “conclusive proof” that Max Verstappen violated FIA rules during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The British driver’s statement comes just as the FIA confirms an additional penalty for the Red Bull star after reviewing telemetry and on-board footage.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Miami GP paddock, Norris did not hold back: “I’m not here to start drama, but I want fairness,” Norris stated. “We’ve analyzed the data and it’s very clear—Max carried far too much speed into Turn 1. It wasn’t about defending position or fighting cleanly. It was a calculated risk that put Oscar [Piastri] in danger and compromised the entire field. If I made a move like that, I’d expect to be penalized. So why not him?”
“I have full respect for Max as a driver—he’s one of the best we’ve ever seen—but there has to be accountability, especially at this level,” Norris continued. “We’re not racing karts. We’re doing 300kph into corners. I’ve submitted all the footage and speed trace analysis from our side. It matches what the FIA found. I think they’ve finally realized it couldn’t be ignored.”
The incident in question occurred during the chaotic opening lap of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Verstappen attempted a late-braking maneuver into Turn 1 that forced McLaren’s Oscar Piastri off the racing line. Initially brushed off as a racing incident, new data presented by both McLaren and independent analysts triggered a secondary review by the FIA.
In an official statement, the FIA confirmed that Verstappen has been issued an additional three-place grid penalty for the next race in Miami and has been given a formal warning for “dangerous driving and failure to maintain control under competitive conditions.”
“Upon detailed analysis of vehicle telemetry and sector-specific speed comparisons, it was determined that Car 1 (Verstappen) exceeded optimal braking thresholds by over 7% relative to qualifying data and attempted to complete Turn 1 without sufficient margin for safety,” the FIA report reads. “This maneuver directly influenced the racing lines of multiple competitors and was not deemed to be within acceptable driving standards under FIA Sporting Regulations.”
The additional penalty could prove costly for Verstappen, who is locked in a tight championship battle with both Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Despite the sanction, Red Bull has not yet commented on whether they will appeal the decision.
As for Norris, he ended the media session by emphasizing his focus remains on performance: “I’ve changed a lot this season—how I train, how I race, even giving up alcohol, which wasn’t easy. I’m here to win titles, and I want to do it the right way. The sport deserves that.”
With tensions high and the Miami GP just around the corner, the fallout from Saudi Arabia is far from over.
