After a controversial penalty during the Brazilian GP, Max Verstappen has responded to the FIA’s latest decision to add a point to his superlicence. The Red Bull driver faced a five-second penalty during the sprint race for a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) breach, which initially dropped him from third to fourth. However, Verstappen now has an additional penalty point on his superlicence, escalating the ongoing debate surrounding FIA’s officiating.

In his official statement, Verstappen expressed frustration with the ruling: “I respect the rules, but this feels excessive. There was no intentional breach on my part; I was merely trying to anticipate the restart. In racing, every second counts, and sometimes, decisions are made in the heat of the moment.” Verstappen further added, “I know the stakes are high, but these penalties seem to be getting out of hand. We should be racing, not facing continuous restrictions.”

The penalty came after Verstappen momentarily pulled alongside McLaren’s Oscar Piastri during the VSC phase, an act deemed against the rules by the FIA. The timing of the incident, with McLaren’s Lando Norris fighting Verstappen for the title, has fueled further speculation among fans, with some accusing the FIA of being overly harsh.

As Verstappen continues to fight for his place in the championship, this latest penalty adds to a series of contentious decisions by the FIA that have left fans and drivers alike questioning the governing body’s consistency in enforcing rules.