In a dramatic and highly unusual development that has shaken the Formula 1 paddock, several leading team principals, including Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, are reportedly supporting a petition calling for the FIA to ban Jos Verstappen from any involvement in his son Max’s races for the remainder of the 2026 season.

The petition, which remains unverified but has been circulating among senior team figures, accuses Jos Verstappen of “disruptive behavior that undermines the pre-race morale of rival drivers and teams.” According to sources close to the matter, the document claims that Jos’s frequent presence in the Red Bull garage, his public comments, and his alleged interference during race weekends have created an intimidating atmosphere that affects the mental preparation of other competitors.

The move has prompted FIA Executive Chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem to convene an emergency meeting with senior officials to discuss the petition and its potential implications. The gathering, described as “highly sensitive,” is expected to address whether such a ban would be legally and ethically justifiable under the current International Sporting Code.

Toto Wolff, when asked about the petition, did not deny involvement but chose his words carefully:

“We all want a fair and respectful environment in the paddock. If there is evidence that certain behaviors are crossing the line and affecting the spirit of competition, then the FIA has a responsibility to look into it. This is not about targeting one person — it’s about protecting the integrity of the sport.”

Other team bosses from McLaren, Ferrari, and Aston Martin are said to have shown support for the initiative, though none have publicly confirmed signing the document. The petition reportedly gained momentum after a series of tense incidents involving Jos Verstappen during recent race weekends, including heated exchanges with rival team members and strong public criticism of stewards and other drivers.

Jos Verstappen, the father of the four-time world champion, has long been a controversial figure in the paddock. Known for his outspoken nature and protective attitude toward his son, he has never shied away from confronting officials, rival teams, or journalists when he feels Max is being treated unfairly. While many admire his passion and loyalty, others argue that his behavior sometimes crosses the boundary from supportive father to disruptive influence.

Max Verstappen himself has not yet commented on the petition. However, sources close to the Red Bull driver say he is “furious” about the development and views it as an attempt by rival teams to destabilize his camp rather than a genuine concern for sportsmanship.

The FIA now finds itself in a difficult position. Banning a family member from the paddock would be an extraordinary step with no clear precedent in modern Formula 1. Legal experts warn that such a ban could face serious challenges, as Jos Verstappen holds no official team role and attends races primarily as a private individual and father.

The controversy has already divided the paddock and fans. Supporters of the petition argue that Jos’s presence and comments create unnecessary tension and can intimidate younger drivers or officials. Critics see the move as a politically motivated attack on the Verstappen family, especially given Max’s dominant position in recent seasons.

Social media has exploded with heated debate. Many fans defend Jos, calling him a passionate father who only wants the best for his son. Others support the petition, claiming that his behavior has occasionally gone too far and affects the overall atmosphere of race weekends.

This latest development adds another layer of tension to an already intense 2026 season. With the championship battle tightening and several technical controversies already overshadowing the year, the sport now faces questions about where the line should be drawn between family support and disruptive influence.

As the FIA’s emergency meeting convenes, all eyes are on Mohammed Ben Sulayem and his team. Their decision could set a significant precedent for how family members and external figures are handled in the future — and could have far-reaching implications for team dynamics across the grid.

For now, the paddock remains on edge. The petition, whether successful or not, has already achieved one thing: it has forced Formula 1 to confront the complex relationship between personal loyalty, competitive pressure, and the boundaries of acceptable behavior in the world’s most prestigious motorsport series.

The coming hours and days will be critical. Will the FIA take action against Jos Verstappen, or will they dismiss the petition as an overreach by rival teams? Whatever the outcome, this story has already become one of the most talked-about off-track dramas of the 2026 season.