FIA chief reversing stance on behavior crackdown.

      "I am contemplating enhancements to Appendix B."

      Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the notably contentious president of F1’s governing body, appears poised to reverse the strict new penalties outlined in the international sporting code. As an irate Max Verstappen was removing his helmet in parc ferme in Jeddah, he was swiftly approached by Ben Sulayem, leading to a brief but clearly tense dialogue. Verstappen, who completed community service over the winter for using the word "f*ck" during an FIA press conference last year, was furious over his penalty for cutting the first corner of the race. However, he outright refused to discuss the matter with the media. "The issue is that I cannot express my opinion on it because I could face penalties," stated the four-time world champion.

      Not only have other Formula 1 drivers joined Verstappen in criticizing the crackdown on misconduct—which includes new penalties amounting to tens of thousands of euros, point deductions, and even race bans—but also competitors from other FIA-sanctioned series, such as world rally. Verstappen’s growing hesitance to engage with the media reached a peak after Jeddah, where he specifically mentioned the sporting code’s severe new 'Appendix B.' "You can’t criticize in any manner that could 'harm' or 'endanger'—let me pull out the sheet. There are a lot of lines," the 27-year-old joked.

      In light of the ongoing chaos under Ben Sulayem's leadership and the increasing possibility of facing challenges in the presidential elections later this year, the FIA president seems to be ready to reverse his stance. "After receiving constructive feedback from drivers across our seven FIA world championships, I am contemplating improvements to Appendix B," he announced on Instagram. "As a former rally driver, I understand the challenges they encounter better than most. Humans create the rules, and humans can enhance the rules," Ben Sulayem added. "This principle of continuous improvement is something I have always believed in and is central to everything we do at the FIA. By listening to each other and working together, we can continue to foster a positive future for the sport we all care so much about."

      Meanwhile, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes part of Verstappen’s frustration following the Saudi Arabian GP was not related to the FIA. "I think he was more upset with himself," the German told Sky Deutschland. "Because he almost never makes mistakes, and he knew that a poor start meant he had to take that shortcut to maintain his lead. It really frustrates him that it didn’t pan out."