🔥 “The System Is Rigged!” — Danica Patrick BLASTS FIA for Favoring Norris & Piastri Over Verstappen

In a stunning and unexpected outburst that has rocked the Formula 1 community, former racing icon Danica Patrick has come forward with bold allegations against the FIA, claiming that the organization is actively favoring McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri over reigning champion Max Verstappen.

Speaking candidly during a guest appearance on the popular racing podcast Trackside Truth, Patrick didn’t hold back. “The system is completely rigged right now. There’s no question that the FIA has been subtly and not-so-subtly tipping the scales in favor of Norris and Piastri,” she said. “It’s clear to anyone paying attention that Verstappen is being held back.”

Questionable Technical Allowances

According to Patrick, McLaren’s 2025 power unit includes technology that appears to operate within a legal gray area. “I’m not accusing them of outright cheating,” she clarified. “But when you have components that bend the spirit of the regulations and the FIA looks the other way? That’s when it stops being a level playing field.”

Rumors have swirled in recent weeks about McLaren’s superior straight-line speed and unexpected cornering grip. Engineers from rival teams, speaking anonymously, have hinted at concerns over the team’s energy recovery systems and rear aero package. Yet, so far, no formal investigations have been opened.

FIA’s Silence Raises Eyebrows

Patrick also took aim at what she described as the FIA’s “deafening silence” in the face of these developments. “They were quick to crack down on Red Bull for the tiniest budget overspend. But when McLaren shows sudden gains, no one blinks. That’s not coincidence, that’s favoritism.”

This isn’t the first time Verstappen has been at the center of regulatory debates. His 2021 championship win over Lewis Hamilton remains one of the most contentious in modern F1 history, and Patrick argues that the Dutch driver is still battling institutional bias.

“Max is fighting the system, not just his rivals. That’s what people don’t get. He’s not just racing against Norris and Piastri — he’s racing against an establishment that doesn’t want him to win again.”

Public and Paddock Reactions

Predictably, the racing world exploded with reactions following Patrick’s comments. Social media platforms lit up with the hashtag #RiggedF1, while Verstappen fans rallied behind the statement as validation of long-held suspicions.

McLaren has yet to release an official response, though insiders suggest the team was “taken aback” by Patrick’s accusations. FIA representatives also declined to comment, stating only that all current regulations are being applied consistently.

Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing issued a carefully worded statement emphasizing their commitment to “fair and transparent competition” and expressing confidence that Verstappen would prevail on track, regardless of obstacles.

A Calculated Move?

Some commentators have questioned Patrick’s motives. Is she genuinely concerned about fairness in the sport, or is this a strategic alignment with Verstappen and Red Bull, who have recently been vocal about inconsistencies in race stewarding and enforcement?

“Danica’s not naive,” said Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle. “She knows exactly what she’s doing. She’s igniting a conversation that’s been bubbling under the surface for months.”

Verstappen Responds

For his part, Verstappen addressed the controversy in typically calm fashion. When asked about Patrick’s remarks at the Hungarian Grand Prix press conference, he smiled and replied: “I appreciate the support, of course. But at the end of the day, I let my driving do the talking.”

Pressed further, he added, “We all know what happens behind the scenes. Some things I can talk about, some I can’t. But I’ll always race hard, no matter what the FIA or anyone else throws my way.”

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 season enters its critical mid-point, the drama surrounding technical scrutiny and perceived favoritism shows no signs of slowing down. Patrick’s explosive remarks have reopened an uncomfortable conversation about transparency and governance in F1.

Whether or not her claims lead to formal investigations remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Formula 1 just got a lot more political — and personal.

Stay tuned.