F1 Drivers Demand Review of “Inconsistent” Stewarding as Penalties Spark controversy
Las Vegas, NV – November 20, 2025 – A growing chorus of Formula 1 drivers are demanding a notable review of the FIA‘s driving standards guidelines and their request, citing a series of controversial penalties this season that they believe are undermining fair racing. The discontent, bubbling for months, reached a new peak following the Brazilian Grand prix, prompting a planned meeting with FIA stewards in Qatar.
The core of the issue isn’t the existence of the guidelines, introduced at the start of the year following driver consultation, but rather the interpretation and rigid application of them, frequently enough lacking the nuance and common sense expected in high-speed, wheel-to-wheel competition. This isn’t simply a case of drivers protesting penalties levied against them; it’s a fundamental concern about the consistency and fairness of the sport’s officiating.
A Pattern of Disputed Calls
Carlos Sainz Jr. of Ferrari has become a vocal leader in the push for change. He highlighted a string of incidents throughout 2025 where he felt penalties were unjustly applied. “I didn’t understand my Zandvoort penalty,” Sainz stated during media day ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. “I didn’t understand why Ollie [Bearman] got a penalty in Monza. I didn’t understand how I caught a 10-second penalty in Austin. And then the Brazil situation.”
He continued, emphasizing the broader problem: ”There’s been not one but multiple incidents this year that for me are far from where the sport should be.” sainz’s frustration was especially acute regarding the 10-second penalty he received in Brazil, a decision he believes unfairly penalized a driver who was demonstrably not at fault.
The controversy extends beyond Sainz. Oscar Piastri’s penalty in Brazil, stemming from a perceived failure to maintain sufficient distance from Antonelli’s wing mirror while braking, has also drawn criticism. The specific point of contention revolves around the interpretation of “locked brakes.”
The “Locked Brakes = Out of Control” Dilemma
Drivers argue that the current interpretation automatically equates a locked brake with a loss of control, a judgment they believe is overly simplistic and frequently enough inaccurate.
“Whenever we see a lock-up, a steward promptly interprets that as out of control,” Sainz explained. “A lock-up not always means out of control. You can lock up
Keep reading