The FIA has a ‘favorite’ driver in the F1’s grid of 20. Any guesses? Well, it’s the Dutch 3x World Champion, Max Verstappen. The governing body usually never misses a chance to point out how the 27-year-old has been “out of line” from time to time. And well, the Brazilian GP 2024 sprint was no exception. While the Papaya boys, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri zoomed past Verstappen’s Red Bull for a 1-2 finish. The Austrian energy drink brand had to select down with P3. But, Joel Embiid has a problem with the results.

Calling out the FIA for their biased decision over Verstappen’s alleged virtual safety car infringement during the sprint, Joel Embiid, a dedicated petrolhead opined: “The FIA really hates Max lmao.. they allowed McLaren to switch positions before they dropped the VSC #F1″ 

The Process is somewhat of a Max Verstappen fan. He was among the first few to celebrate Red Bull No.1’s first World Championship-winning race in 2021. The iconic Abu Dhabi GP will undoubtedly remain etched in the minds and memories of every F1 fan. However, considering the incident with the VSC in Sao Paolo where the Dutchman was too close to Oscar Piastri’s car, it’s hard to analyze who was on the ‘correct’ side.

But as per the FIA’s rules, Joel Embiid’s favorite driver might be on the disadvantage side.

What happened with Joel Embiid’s top F1 driver at the sprint race?

Max Verstappen is under investigation by the stewards after the Brazilian Grand Prix sprint. He started fourth and overtook Charles Leclerc for third place. On the final lap, Max Verstappen nearly passed Oscar Piastri. This happened after Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg’s car stopped, triggering a virtual safety car. The VSC ended just as Verstappen approached Piastri. This raised questions about whether he exceeded the speed limit during the neutralized conditions. Officials are scrutinizing him for a potential infringement related to the virtual safety car.

The Philadelphia 76ers main man, Joel Embiid isn’t happy with how the FIA has set the Dutchman as their ‘favorite’ target over the last couple of races. Recently, the Dutchman has been in muddy waters for his language during the race over the team radio and the press conference. And now the VSC infringement allegations aren’t particularly favorable. Given the fact that Joel Embiid’s driver of choice received 20 seconds penalty in Austin last week thus dragging him down from P2 to P6 and putting him at risk of losing the championship standing should be a concern.

From a fan’s perspective, Embiid’s disappointment with the FIA seems valid. The rules clearly state that drivers must not drive “unnecessarily slowly, erratically, or dangerously” during a virtual safety car (VSC). They are required to reduce speed and stay above the minimum time set by the FIA ECU in each sector. This applies to both safety car lines as well. Drivers must also be above this minimum time when the FIA light panels turn green.

Well, Max was too close to Oscar Piastri in the last lap. It is a clear infringement of the rules. Therefore even if Joel Embiid bashes the governing body, things are going to turn out the way they’re supposed to. This means, the 3x champ might have to face the consequences of his actions and who knows he might have to lose his P3 finish for the sprint in the process.