Max Verstappen has fired back at the FIA after receiving a formal warning for a pit-lane rules breach at the Japanese Grand Prix, defiantly stating ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix: “I’ll keep doing it.”
The reigning four-time world champion was among four drivers — including McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton — who were cautioned by the stewards in Suzuka for performing practice starts in breach of the sporting regulations. Verstappen and Piastri were specifically noted for overtaking other cars in the pit lane to carry out their starts earlier than permitted.
In a stern message released via the FIA, the stewards made it clear that similar violations will not go unpunished going forward: “In relation to the general subject of overtaking in the pit lane, the fact that a warning was issued for the four cases this weekend is not to be taken as a precedent and the stewards note that future breaches of pit lane procedures may involve a sporting penalty.”
Despite the warning, Verstappen remains unfazed. Speaking to reporters on Thursday in Bahrain, the Dutch driver doubled down on his actions: “Honestly, I’ll keep doing it. It’s the best way to prepare for the race start, and until it becomes a proper penalty, I’m not changing my routine.”
The FIA’s clampdown comes after growing concerns over safety and fairness during race weekends. With Bahrain’s tight pit-lane setup, stewards are expected to monitor the situation closely.
Verstappen arrives in Bahrain riding high after a dominant performance in Suzuka, where he secured pole position and converted it into his first win of the season — narrowing the championship gap to leader Lando Norris to just one point. While Norris took second in Japan, his McLaren team continues to lead the constructors’ standings after another strong weekend.
As tensions rise between drivers and the FIA over procedural enforcement, all eyes will be on Verstappen in Bahrain to see if he sticks to his word — and whether the stewards will follow through with penalties if he does.