Danica Patrick Drops Bombshell: “Oscar Piastri & Lando Norris Do NOT Deserve 2025 Title – Their Cars Circumvent Regulations & FIA Is Protecting Them!” – Declares Max Verstappen the “Only True Champion” & Predicts He’ll Dominate 2026 Again

The 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship controversy refuses to die – and now it has one of the sport’s most outspoken voices throwing fuel on the fire.

Former IndyCar star and current F1 commentator Danica Patrick has unleashed a scorching take that has divided the paddock and sent social media into meltdown: she believes neither Lando Norris nor Oscar Piastri truly deserved their respective title challenges (and eventual McLaren dominance) in 2025, accusing their cars of exploiting regulatory grey areas while enjoying “undue favoritism” from the FIA.

In a fiery episode of her podcast “Pretty Intense” released late last night, Patrick went straight for the jugular:

“Let’s be real – Oscar and Lando did not deserve to win in 2025 the way they did. Their cars were circumventing regulations left and right, and the FIA looked the other way because McLaren was the shiny new story. Max Verstappen is the only one who truly deserves to be called champion. He fought against the FIA, against internal drama at Red Bull, against everything – and still delivered. That’s real greatness.”

Patrick doubled down on her support for Verstappen, predicting the Dutch driver will reclaim – and dominate – the 2026 title:

“I’m certain of it. Max wins again in 2026. The new rules reset gives Red Bull and Honda a clean slate, and Max is the kind of driver who thrives when everything is against him. Norris and Piastri? They had the car advantage this year. Next year, when the playing field is level, Max is going to remind everyone why he’s the benchmark.”

The comments come at a particularly sensitive time. McLaren’s 2025 constructors’ and drivers’ success (with Norris clinching the title in a dramatic finale) was built on superior race pace, flawless strategy, and what many called the best car of the late-season regulation window. However, persistent whispers in the paddock – especially from Red Bull-aligned voices – have accused McLaren of pushing the limits of floor edge flexibility, bargeboard legality interpretations, and ride-height device tolerances.

Patrick’s accusation of “circumventing regulations” echoes complaints lodged (and dismissed) at races like the 2025 United States Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi finale, where Red Bull protested elements of the McLaren MCL39’s floor and diffuser. The FIA ruled in McLaren’s favor each time, fueling long-standing claims of inconsistent enforcement.

Verstappen himself has not commented publicly on Patrick’s remarks, but sources close to the Red Bull camp say the driver “appreciates the honesty” and shares the view that 2025’s title fight was heavily influenced by car performance rather than pure driving ability.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella issued a measured but firm response this morning:

“We welcome all opinions, but our 2025 success was earned through hard work, innovation within the rules, and flawless execution. Every component of our car was homologated and passed scrutineering. We’re focused on 2026 and the new regulations – not revisiting settled debates.”

Lando Norris, the 2025 champion, posted a simple but pointed Instagram story: a photo of himself on the top step in Abu Dhabi with the caption “Earned every point.” Oscar Piastri has remained silent.

The reaction online has been immediate and polarized:

Verstappen fans: “Danica speaking facts! Max carried that Red Bull while McLaren had the rocket ship. 2026 is his year again.” McLaren supporters: “Danica’s just salty. Norris & Piastri beat Max fair and square on track. Stop the excuses.” Neutrals: “If there really was a loophole, why didn’t Red Bull protest harder? FIA cleared them every time.”

With the 2026 season opener in Melbourne just weeks away and radical new regulations promising a true reset, Patrick’s intervention has reignited the toxic 2021-style title debate – only now it’s centered on whether McLaren’s 2025 success was legitimate or “FIA-favored.”

One thing is certain: Danica Patrick has thrown the first major grenade of the off-season.

And with Max Verstappen watching closely, 2026 is already shaping up to be anything but predictable.

The fight for legacy – and the narrative – is back on.