In a shocking turn of events, former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has leveled serious accusations against the FIA's former race director Niels Wittich, alleging that he deliberately delayed a crucial red flag during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying, ultimately benefiting McLaren driver Lando Norris at the expense of Red Bull's Max Verstappen. This controversy has reignited the ongoing tensions within the sport's governing body, with Wittich's recent departure and the resignation of the FIA's compliance officer, Paolo Basarri, further fueling speculation about the inner workings of the organization.

Unraveling the Controversy: Accusations of Favoritism and Delayed Red Flags

The Delayed Red Flag Incident

The incident in question occurred during the Q2 session of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying, when Lance Stroll was involved in a severe accident. However, the FIA took approximately 40 seconds to react and deploy the red flag, a delay that even Red Bull called out after the session. This delay proved to be crucial, as it allowed Lando Norris to complete his lap, while Max Verstappen was eliminated from the session, ultimately starting the race in 17th position due to a grid penalty.

Jordan's Scathing Accusations

In a candid discussion on the Formula For Success podcast, Eddie Jordan did not hold back, openly accusing Niels Wittich of favoring Lando Norris' championship prospects by deliberately delaying the red flag. Jordan's outspoken nature and his long-standing experience in the sport lend credibility to his claims, as he passionately argued that the delayed red flag was a "mistake" and that Wittich "f***** up."

Verstappen's Remarkable Comeback

Despite the setback, Max Verstappen showcased his exceptional skill and determination, climbing through the field in a challenging wet race to claim victory at Interlagos. This triumph, however, did not diminish Jordan's lingering frustration over the delayed red flag incident, as he continued to question the fairness of the decision and its potential impact on Verstappen's championship aspirations.

Coulthard's Perspective and the "Racing Gods"

In the podcast discussion, former driver David Coulthard offered a different perspective, suggesting that the "luck of the racing gods" plays a significant role in the outcome of races, and that race directors may not always consider the positioning of cars when making decisions. However, Jordan was quick to refute this notion, arguing that Wittich's actions were clearly biased in favor of Lando Norris, and that the "gods are in Lando's hands."

Wittich's Departure and the FIA's Ongoing Turmoil

The controversy surrounding the delayed red flag incident has only added to the ongoing turmoil within the FIA. Niels Wittich's dismissal from his role as race director was soon followed by the resignation of compliance officer Paolo Basarri, further fueling speculation about the internal conflicts and power struggles within the governing body.

The Implications and the Future

The accusations leveled by Eddie Jordan have the potential to significantly impact the credibility and integrity of the FIA's decision-making processes. As the sport continues to grapple with these controversies, the call for greater transparency and accountability within the governing body is likely to grow louder. The future of Formula 1 may hinge on the FIA's ability to address these concerns and restore the trust of the fans and the teams.