Verstappen Insider Accuses FIA of 'Double Standards' After Hamilton Escape

Daniel Juncadella, one of Max Verstappen’s teammates for the upcoming Nürburgring 24 Hours, has accused the FIA of “double standards” after Lewis Hamilton escaped a penalty for making an offensive gesture during the Miami Grand Prix. The Spaniard was himself fined €5,000 for a similar gesture in the World Endurance Championship last year.

Why it matters:

The incident reignites a long-running debate about consistency in FIA penalties, especially after Verstappen was forced into public service for swearing in 2024. With the governing body already under fire for its handling of driver conduct, this fresh accusation threatens to undermine its credibility further.

The details:

• Untelevised onboard footage from Miami showed Hamilton waving his middle finger at Alpine's Franco Colapinto after a first-lap collision. Hamilton estimated the damage cost him 0.5 seconds per lap.
• Juncadella was fined €5,000 (with €4,000 suspended) at the 2025 WEC finale in Bahrain for a similar gesture toward Augusto Farfus. Stewards called it “rude, disrespectful and wholly inappropriate.”
• Responding to the Hamilton footage, Juncadella posted: “So I take it there wasn’t a fine… The FIA’s double standards… They never fail.” He added: “Slap him with a €2,000 fine, just like they did to me.”

Between the lines:

The FIA’s 2025 crackdown on foul language drew heavy pushback from drivers. An eventual compromise allowed more leeway in “uncontrolled” settings—like team radio—while formal press conferences remained strictly monitored. Hamilton’s gesture occurred mid-race, likely falling into the “uncontrolled” category, but Juncadella argues a fine should still apply regardless of context.

What's next:

Juncadella will team up with Verstappen, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer at the Nürburgring 24 Hours next weekend. Verstappen himself has a history of clashing with the FIA over conduct rules, making the partnership an interesting backdrop for ongoing scrutiny of the governing body’s disciplinary consistency.