Max Verstappen Meets with FIA President at Lusail Circuit
In a surprising turn of events ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Max Verstappen, the new four-time world champion, met with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem at the Lusail circuit. According to Dutch media reports, the Verstappen camp initiated the meeting with the former rally driver, sparking speculation and curiosity among fans and experts alike.
Verstappen’s Recent Controversies with the FIA
The meeting between Verstappen and Ben Sulayem comes on the heels of the driver’s recent run-ins with the FIA. After receiving a reprimand for swearing during a press conference prior to the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen faced backlash for his subsequent actions. The Red Bull driver chose to boycott press conferences at Marina Bay, opting instead for impromptu media briefings in the paddock. This move raised eyebrows and stirred up discussions within the Formula 1 community.
Changes in FIA Personnel Raise Questions
Furthermore, the FIA has experienced a significant shake-up in its personnel lineup in recent weeks. Following the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, race director Niels Wittich was removed from his position, leaving many puzzled about the circumstances surrounding his departure. Additionally, new F2 race director Janette Tan was ousted before even overseeing the support series, adding to the uncertainty within the organization. Senior F1 steward Tim Mayer also found himself dismissed, claiming he was informed via a text message from one of Ben Sulayem’s assistants. These sudden changes have fueled speculation about the internal dynamics at the FIA.
Verstappen’s Pole Position Controversy
Despite the timing of the meeting, reports suggest that the discussions between Verstappen and Ben Sulayem were not directly related to the driver’s recent pole position controversy. Verstappen was stripped of pole position for the Qatar Grand Prix after stewards determined that he had impeded George Russell during Q3 by driving unnecessarily slowly. This decision resulted in Russell inheriting the pole position, adding a layer of drama to the upcoming race weekend.
As the Formula 1 world awaits further updates on the outcome of the meeting between Max Verstappen and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, speculations and rumors continue to swirl, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for more developments as the Qatar Grand Prix unfolds.
