A team principal from one of the current Formula 1 teams has criticized three-time champion Max Verstappen for consistently pushing the boundaries of the sport’s controversial regulations due to his aggressive driving style.
Ahead of the Mexican GP, Williams boss James Vowles stated that Verstappen “always tests the limits of the rules.”
These comments follow McLaren’s unsuccessful petition for a Right of Review against the FIA regarding a penalty given to their driver Lando Norris for an off-track overtake on Verstappen at COTA.
The FIA argued that Norris was not alongside Verstappen at the apex during the maneuver, while McLaren contended that Norris had already passed Verstappen before the braking zone, suggesting the penalty was unjust.
The controversy continued into the Mexican GP weekend after the FIA denied McLaren’s petition following Friday’s practice sessions.
Vowles expressed concerns about the direction of racing, referencing a similar incident from the 2021 season.
He emphasized that while Verstappen’s tactics are not new, it raises questions about the future of racing standards.
Vowles noted that while he believes the stewards made the right call in this instance, the sport needs to reconsider whether such aggressive racing is what they want moving forward.
When asked if he felt no one should have been penalized and that they should have been allowed to race, Vowles agreed but pointed out that the current
rules are not as clear as they should be, indicating a need for future changes.
