The 2025 British Grand Prix at the iconic Silverstone circuit not only produced a thrilling qualifying session, but also a heated controversy in the Formula 1 world. Max Verstappen secured pole position with an impressive lap, once again demonstrating his exceptional talent. However, the aftermath of qualifying was dominated by an unexpected row, sparked by comments made by the FIA ​​president about Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. These comments infuriated Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso, who made no secret of his displeasure. The Spaniard, a two-time world champion, sharply criticized the FIA, further inflaming tensions in the paddock.

In qualifying, Verstappen showed his unrivaled speed, despite a difficult Friday in which Red Bull struggled with understeer and a lack of speed in free practice. His pole was a masterpiece, leaving the competition, including McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, behind him. Hamilton, who had set the fastest time in the first free practice, finished qualifying in a respectable position, but was unable to challenge Verstappen. The Dutchman’s dominance once again emphasised his unrivalled pole-to-win ratio, which at 80% is far ahead of legends such as Alonso (63%) and Hamilton (58%). This made the comments from the FIA ​​president, who criticised both Verstappen and Hamilton, all the more striking.

While the exact content of the FIA ​​president’s comments has not been fully disclosed, sources have suggested they related to the behaviour of both drivers during qualifying. They may have involved alleged infringements or controversial actions on track, such as obstructing other drivers – a sensitive subject in Formula 1. Alonso, who will start seventh after penalties for Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, was furious with the FIA’s tone. He called the comments “unacceptable” and criticised the motorsport governing body for what he saw as a lack of respect for the drivers. Alonso, who had a tumultuous relationship with Hamilton at McLaren in 2007, stressed that the FIA ​​should focus on improving the sport rather than stirring up unnecessary controversy.

Alonso’s anger reflects a wider frustration in the Formula 1 paddock over the role of the FIA. The association has come under fire recently for inconsistent decisions and punishments, such as the warning Hamilton was given after an incident with Kimi Antonelli in Austria. Verstappen himself has complained about the FIA ​​in the past, most notably over a punishment for swearing in 2024, which he described as excessive and unnecessary. These tensions suggest that the relationship between the drivers and the sport’s governing body is under strain, particularly with the competition set to heat up more than ever in 2025. With McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes all challenging Red Bull, any decision from the FIA ​​will be crucial.

For Alonso, the situation was particularly personal. As a veteran of the sport, having worked with both Verstappen and Hamilton in the past, he feels a responsibility to defend the integrity of Formula 1. His praise for Verstappen’s performance, which he described as “extraordinary” following his pole, contrasted sharply with his criticism of the FIA. He pointed out that Verstappen’s dominance is not just down to his car, but mainly to his unparalleled driving skills. At the same time, Alonso’s old rivalry with Hamilton appeared to play a role, although he stressed that his anger was directed at the FIA ​​and not the drivers themselves.

The British Grand Prix promises to be a spectacle, not only because of Verstappen’s pole, but also because of the tensions off the track. The British fans, who passionately support Hamilton, were already upset by Alonso’s previous comments about their hero, and this new controversy will only inflame the atmosphere. Verstappen, meanwhile, remains focused on the race, determined to convert his pole into a victory, as he has done 33 times in his career. For Alonso, the situation is a call for change within the FIA, which he believes should serve the sport rather than sow division. As Formula 1 evolves under the reign of Liberty Media, the question remains how the FIA ​​will respond to the growing discontent among drivers and teams.