FIA seem to target Max Verstappen fans as they ban smoke bombs that turned Zandvoort orange during Dutch GP

Smoke bombs and flares have caused major on-track issues and visibility problems at F1 events.

FIA seem to target Max Verstappen fans as they ban smoke bombs that turned Zandvoort orange during Dutch GP

In recent years, smoke bombs and flares have been the subject of scrutiny due to their intruding nature at Formula One events. They have been banned at certain circuits, but still cause a lot of disturbance at other venues where they still permit the bombs or flares.

The FIA has attempted to combat such trackside aggravation, emphasized by incidents such as the flare thrown on track in Zandvoort. FIA has banned smoke bombs as well as flares from all Formula One events from the 2024 season onwards, to prevent them from disturbing or risking the safety of all involved.

Some consider this to be targeted at Max Verstappen, as his fanbase, sometimes known as the ‘Orange Army’ is known for their display of respect for the driver with orange smoke bombs on track. Either way, the FIA sanction has also affected fireworks and flares from being used.

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FIA president Ben Sulayem responds to Jean Todt ‘unsustainable’ remarks

The FIA has been involved in multiple controversies in recent months, from Carlos Sainz‘s Las Vegas incident to their legal battle with Felipe Massa. One of these has been sparked by former Ferrari head and ex-FIA prez Jean Todt with comments criticizing the organization.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem via Thüringer Allgemeine
Mohammed Ben Sulayem via Thüringer Allgemeine

Jean Todt claimed that bad-decision from the FIA nearly collapsed the whole organization during the COVID-19 pandemic that caused widespread economic damage. Todt further said that the FIA was only saved by F1 being allowed to be conducted during 2020.

FIA president Ben Sulayem clapped back at Todt’s comments on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. Sulayem admitted that the new presidential committee did face some issues even before the pandemic, but they are issues which have since been cleared completely.

There was a financial issue that we didn't know about. We had a deficit, even before the pandemic, but I'm pleased to have cleared that.
Ben Sulayem said, via motorsport.com

The FIA has brought about many changes under the presidency of Ben Sulayem, not always to the liking of the majority. The F1 teams in particular did not appreciate Sulayem’s willingness and acceptance of an 11th team in the sport.

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