Verstappen ‘Upset’ as ‘Very Clear Footage’ Emerges of UnpunishedLeclerc Action: F1 Controversy Escalates
June 5, 2025 — Formula 1 finds itself in the eye of a storm once again as reigning World Champion Max Verstappen voiced his frustration over what he described as “very clear footage” of an on-track incident involving Charles Leclerc that went unpunished by the stewards during last weekend’s Grand Prix. The incident, which occurred during a crucial phase of the race, has reignited debates about consistency in F1’s race officiating and has polarized fans, teams, and experts alike.
The Incident
The controversial moment took place on Lap 37 of the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, during a high-stakes battle between Verstappen and Leclerc. As the Red Bull driver attempted a move on the Ferrari star heading into the final chicane, Leclerc was seen making what Verstappen has termed an “aggressive and dangerous” maneuver. According to onboard footage and new angles released after the race, Leclerc appeared to veer slightly under braking, forcing Verstappen off the racing line and into the runoff area.
At the time, no investigation was launched, and no penalty was given. Leclerc went on to finish third, while Verstappen had to settle for fifth after struggling with tire degradation and minor floor damage that he attributed to being forced over the curbs during the incident.
Verstappen Speaks Out
Following the release of new camera angles by F1’s broadcast team on Tuesday, Verstappen didn’t hold back in his criticism.
> “There’s very clear footage now — clearer than what we saw during the race,” Verstappen said during a media briefing on Wednesday. “I don’t understand how that’s not a penalty. If the roles were reversed, I have no doubt in my mind I would have been penalized. It’s very frustrating because we’re racing hard, but there has to be consistency in how these things are judged.”
The Dutchman, known for his aggressive but calculated driving style, has typically been at the center of several past stewarding controversies, but in this case, he insists he was on the receiving end of an unfair call — or rather, a lack thereof.
Red Bull Team Reaction
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner echoed Verstappen’s sentiments, revealing that the team had formally requested clarification from the FIA.
> “We’ve reviewed the footage and submitted a request for review,” Horner confirmed. “We’re not necessarily asking for a penalty now — that won’t change the race result. But we need to understand why this kind of move went without even a mention. If Max or Checo had done something like that, we’re pretty sure the reaction would’ve been different.”
Ferrari Remains Firm
Ferrari, for its part, has defended Leclerc’s actions. Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur insisted that Leclerc’s defense was hard but fair.
> “This is racing,” said Vasseur. “Charles made a move to defend, but he stayed within the regulations. There was no sudden jink or reckless behavior. We trust the stewards and their ability to make decisions in real-time.”
Leclerc himself shrugged off the backlash, saying he was surprised by the drama.
> “I was just racing,” he told reporters. “If Max felt it was too much, I’m open to discussing it with him privately, but I didn’t feel I crossed the line.”
The Footage and F1 Fan Reaction
The new footage, including overhead drone views and rear-facing onboard cameras, quickly made the rounds on social media and sparked furious debate among fans and analysts. Several former drivers, including Jenson Button and Karun Chandhok, weighed in with differing views.
> “From what I’ve seen, Charles moves a bit under braking, and that’s a gray area,” Button said on Sky Sports F1. “But it’s not black and white. It’s up to the stewards to decide, and they saw no need to investigate.”
Others, including former FIA steward Derek Warwick, were less forgiving:
> “I would’ve at least opened a review,” Warwick said. “You can’t have situations where drivers are forced off track with no consequence.”
Calls for Greater Stewarding Transparency
This incident is the latest in a series of decisions that have drawn criticism for perceived inconsistency. The FIA has faced increasing pressure to reform its stewarding process, with some suggesting permanent race stewards or more transparent post-race reviews.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali briefly addressed the controversy on Wednesday, saying the FIA would “look into the matter internally” and reiterated their commitment to “fair, consistent and safe competition.”
What’s Next?
With tensions rising and the championship fight intensifying, Verstappen’s latest comments could have a ripple effect on how drivers approach aggressive moves in the next races. As the F1 circus heads to Spain, all eyes will be on how stewards handle similar incidents — and whether Verstappen’s vocal criticism will influence the decision-making process moving forward.
For now, the question lingers: is the FIA doing enough to ensure equality on the grid? Or is the sport’s quest for exciting racing creating inconsistencies that undermine its integrity?
One thing is clear — the battle between
Verstappen and Leclerc, both on track and off it, is far from over.
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