While F1 is known for its high-stakes competition and dramatic moments, recent events have cast a shadow over the sport’s integrity. Max Verstappen found himself at the center of controversy due to a series of penalties that have raised questions about the fairness of the FIA’s decision-making. Bernie Ecclestone, the former CEO of Formula One Management and Formula One Administration, believes that the organization is going too far in giving penalties.

In his time at the top, Ecclestone was known for his more lenient approach to driver penalties. Bernie Ecclestone often preferred to let drivers learn from their mistakes rather than impose harsh punishments. He believed that overly strict penalties could stifle the excitement and unpredictability of the sport.

However, looking at the current penalty scenario, particularly from the recent Austin and Mexico GPs. Ecclestone considered that to be excessive which hurt the intense battle between the two. He deemed that the penalties were given for the things that were not so serious.

It’s becoming madness, Don’t fight, otherwise you’ll get into trouble. We’ve already seen it in Mexico, with the two ten-second penalties given to Max. If penalties are given for these things, then what will happen in more serious situations?

How many seconds of penalties should be given? Bernie Ecclestone said (via Belgian TV RTBF)Ecclestone stated that F1 has become too strict and overly controlled, which is taking away the thrills of the sport. He noticed the intensity and unpredictability that the sport had in his time slowly fading away.

I think we’re going a bit too far, that everything is too clean, everything is too methodical. These are not real races anymore. I’m not saying that the people who are there now are doing a bad job, but they just haven’t looked carefully enough at the things that need to be eliminated and changed.

Bernie Ecclestone addedRELATEDMcLaren should reconsider its bet on Lando Norris for F1 futureBernie Ecclestone praises Max Verstappen’s performance on phone callIn Brazil, Max Verstappen demonstrated his best performance in 2024. He was incredibly fast in each lap, despite starting from P17, and showed incredible speed by overtaking six cars in his first lap. Bernie Ecclestone and Christian Horner(Via X)Red Bull introduced a new engine for the race in Interlagos and that worked effectively, giving Verstappen his eighth win of the season.

The win came after five months of setbacks due to car issues. Team principal Christian Horner revealed that former CEO Bernie Ecclestone called him after the race to praise the result. I think, look, it’s difficult to make those calls about generation to generation, Bernie rang me after the race and said, ‘I’ve seen all the greats, but that’s one of the very best I’ve ever seen.

So he’s a bit older than I am, and seen a bit more, so high credit from someone like him. Christian Horner said (via Planetf1. com)RELATEDLewis Hamilton’s former teammate reportedly exploring Mercedes return after Audi snubThe race was a particularly difficult one as it was not easy to handle the car on the wet Interlagos track.

However, Verstappen did it with ease and widened the gap in the drivers’ championship, thereby nearly ending Lando Norris‘ title hopes.