Max Verstappen Escapes FIA Sanction as Lewis Hamilton’s Early Exit Explained

Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, has avoided any FIA punishment after a playful middle-finger gesture directed at Williams junior driver Luke Browning during F1 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain. 

F1 news has been buzzing with updates on Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and key developments across the paddock. Notably, Verstappen has managed to avoid an FIA sanction, while Ferrari’s unexpected technical issue forced an early end to Hamilton’s Bahrain testing session.

Recent FIA clampdowns on driver misconduct had raised questions about whether Verstappen’s action would result in disciplinary measures. However, onboard footage revealed that the incident was lighthearted, leading officials to dismiss the need for any action.

Despite the FIA’s increased scrutiny on driver behavior, Verstappen appears to have escaped penalties, sparking debate among F1 fans and analysts about consistency in enforcement. 

Max Verstappen Avoids FIA Action Over Middle-Finger Gesture

During F1 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was caught making a middle-finger gesture while driving past the Williams pit wall. The target? Reportedly, it was a lighthearted act aimed at Williams junior Luke Browning.

Despite the FIA’s recent crackdown on driver conduct, Verstappen is set to escape any punishment for his actions. Onboard footage showed the reigning World Champion flashing the sign as he zoomed past the pits on Friday’s testing session.

With the FIA tightening regulations on driver behavior and sportsmanship, some fans and analysts expected at least a warning for Verstappen. However, sources close to the governing body suggest that this specific incident is not deemed severe enough to warrant any formal action.

Lewis Hamilton’s Early Bahrain Exit: The Real Reason Behind Ferrari’s Testing Trouble

Lewis Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari in the 2025 F1 season, saw his final pre-season test session in Bahrain cut short due to a reported hydraulic issue with the Ferrari SF-25.

Ferrari initially cited an “anomaly” in the data as the reason for halting Hamilton’s session with around 40 minutes left on the clock. However, new reports from Italy suggest that a hydraulic problem was the real culprit.

This unexpected issue raised concerns about Ferrari’s reliability ahead of the season opener. While Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc have shown promising pace in testing, Ferrari will need to iron out these mechanical gremlins before the first race weekend.

Christian Horner Labels Ferrari’s 2025 Car a ‘Standout’ on the Grid

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has praised Ferrari’s bold approach to car design for F1 2025, calling their latest model a “standout” among this year’s competitors.

Unlike most teams that opted for evolutionary updates ahead of the regulation changes in 2026, Ferrari has developed a completely new car. Ferrari’s SF-25 features an innovative pullrod front suspension layout, a concept successfully used by McLaren and Red Bull in recent years.

Horner acknowledged that while Red Bull remains the team to beat, Ferrari’s willingness to innovate could make them formidable challengers throughout the 2025 season.

Former F1 Driver Johnny Herbert Speaks Out on FIA Exit

Johnny Herbert, a respected F1 pundit and former driver, has spoken publicly about his removal from FIA stewarding duties ahead of the F1 2025 season. The FIA had previously stated that his work as a television analyst was “incompatible” with the role of a steward, raising speculation about behind-the-scenes politics.

Herbert hinted that “certain people” within F1 leadership influenced FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s decision to remove him from the stewarding panel. His departure adds to the growing tension surrounding FIA’s governance, particularly amid recent controversies over rule enforcement and technical directives.

New ‘Mini-DRS’ Controversy Looms Over F1 2025

A potential flexi-wing controversy is brewing ahead of the F1 2025 season, with at least one unnamed team principal expressing concerns over rear wings that still appear to be “quite flexible” despite the FIA’s ongoing crackdown.

The debate over flexi-wings first surfaced in 2024 when McLaren’s “mini-DRS” system drew scrutiny. Onboard footage from Oscar Piastri’s Baku Grand Prix victory showed significant rear-wing flex, raising concerns that teams were exploiting loopholes to reduce drag at high speeds.

The FIA has introduced stricter flexi-wing regulations for the 2025 season, with additional technical directives set to come into force at the Spanish Grand Prix. However, some paddock insiders remain skeptical about whether all teams will fully comply or if further rule modifications will be needed as the season progresses.

Johnny Herbert Responds to FIA Exit Decision

Former F1 driver and longtime race steward Johnny Herbert recently addressed his removal from FIA stewarding duties for the 2025 season. The FIA announced in January that Herbert would no longer serve as a steward, citing concerns over his punditry work.

Herbert has now hinted at possible behind-the-scenes influences on the decision. “There were certain people who spoke to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem before this was decided,” Herbert said.

The FIA stated that Herbert’s dual role as a pundit and race official posed a conflict of interest, leading to his removal. However, the former driver remains skeptical about the reasoning, implying that external factors may have played a role.

What Does This Mean for the 2025 F1 Season?

As pre-season testing wraps up, key takeaways include:

• Max Verstappen avoids FIA sanctions, but debates on driver conduct remain.

• Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari faces early reliability concerns, potentially affecting their title hopes.

• Ferrari’s SF-25 receives high praise but must prove itself in race conditions.

• FIA’s rule enforcement remains a hot topic, with both stewards’ decisions and technical regulations under scrutiny.

• Flexi-wing controversy isn’t over yet, and the Spanish Grand Prix could be a turning point in aerodynamic policing.

With the season opener in Australia approaching, the F1 2025 season promises intense rivalries, dramatic twists, and relentless innovation as teams battle for supremacy.

Could F1 Face Another ‘Mini DRS’ Controversy?

The debate over flexi-wings is far from over. An unnamed F1 team boss has revealed that certain teams are still pushing the limits of flexibility regulations.

“We’re keeping a very close eye on what’s happening,” the source said. “Some rear wings look quite flexible despite the FIA’s clampdown.”

The controversy surrounding flexi-wings first exploded in 2024, with McLaren’s so-called ‘mini DRS’ system coming under scrutiny. During Oscar Piastri’s victory in Baku, onboard footage appeared to show McLaren’s rear wing deforming at high speeds, potentially shedding drag.

Although the FIA cleared all teams of wrongdoing last season, they have since introduced new technical directives to limit flexi-wing designs further. The stricter tests will officially come into play at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2025.