Max Verstappen’s Middle finger controversy: What really happened?

The FIA and Formula 1 drivers have been at odds since Ben Sulayem took charge as president. The FIA has implemented new rules regarding driver behaviour inside and outside the paddock. They announced a new system of rules and regulations for drivers during races and press meets.

If any driver disobeys or breaches the rules, they will be fined heavily, and if they continue to do so, they will be banned. Their super license points will also be deducted, which makes life hard for them. But recently, a new controversy emerged during the F1 2025 Bahrain testing. The issue was Max Verstappen showing a middle finger at the Williams garage, and it went viral all over the internet. It was considered a breach of driver conduct, but the Dutchman was not punished as it didn't happen in a media streaming. 

Max already served a penalty for swearing during last year's Singapore Grand Prix. He was asked to do community service, which he did after the F1 2024 season. The FIA and F1 are careful about live streaming as they feel children will get offended by the swearing they hear during races. However, F1 drivers ask the governing body to mute the team radio streaming. Swearing is very natural for drivers and racers; it is normal for them to swear when they are in a complete adrenaline rush. So it will be hard for them to stop swearing at the peak of the moment.

WATCH: Max Vertsappen showing Middle finger

According to Motorsport-Total, Max’s middle finger was actually directed at his friend Luke Browning.#f1#formula1#sportsinfoxtreme#MaxVerstappen#RedBull#Williams#LukeBrowning#F1Testingpic.twitter.com/P09PcV8jBl

— SportsInfo Xtreme (@Sportsinfo22073) March 2, 2025

But now, Max Verstappen was caught in a fresh controversy for showing his middle finger during his pitlane ride in the Bahrain preseason test. But the reality is he was showing his middle finger to his friend and Williams test driver, Luke Browning, who was standing in front of the garage. He didn't show the middle finger to any other person in that garage. 

F1 drivers have a habit of showing their middle fingers to people during the heat of the moment. Last year, RB Bulls driver Liam Lawson showed his middle finger towards Sergio Perez while overtaking him at the Mexican Grand Prix. That also created a controversy, as many felt it was disrespectful towards a senior driver like Checo.

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