Formula 1’s Biggest Conspiracy Theories

By Joe Murphy

Beyond the race tracks and podium finishes, a shadowy world of conspiracy theories has often lurked in F1’s shadow. These theories, some fueled by controversial incidents, rumours, and odd coincidences, have persisted throughout the sport’s history. Whether it’s about race-fixing, team manipulation, or mysterious car developments, F1 has seen its fair share of speculation that continues to ignite debates among fans and pundits alike.

One of the most prevalent conspiracy theories involves race-fixing and manipulation by teams and governing bodies. This theory gained traction in the aftermath of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. In that race, Nelson Piquet Jr., driving for Renault, deliberately crashed after a pit stop, bringing out a safety car that benefitted his teammate, Fernando Alonso. The incident, known as “Crashgate,” was exposed in 2009, sending shockwaves through the motorsport community. Piquet later revealed that the crash was orchestrated by his team as a strategy to help Alonso win the race. The scandal led to the resignation of Renault’s team principal, Flavio Briatore, and executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds, but some conspiracy theorists believe that such manipulation might not be as rare as it seems.

“Formula 1 is an incredibly high-stakes game,” said F1 journalist, David Croft. “The pressure on teams and drivers to win is immense, and when that’s the case, the temptation to manipulate situations for advantage is always there, even if only on a subconscious level. We saw that with Crashgate, but some still wonder if it’s been a part of F1 for much longer.”

Another theory that frequently resurfaces involves the dominance of certain teams and the perceived favoring of specific drivers by the sport’s governing body, the FIA. Fans and critics alike have pointed fingers at the FIA’s role in regulating the sport, often suggesting that there is an unseen hand guiding the results in favor of big teams like Ferrari or Mercedes. The most commonly cited example is the 2002 season, where Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher appeared to receive a controversial helping hand in the form of team orders during the Austrian Grand Prix. Schumacher’s teammate, Rubens Barrichello, was ordered to let him pass on the final straight to win the race, causing an uproar among fans and pundits.

In response to the uproar, former F1 team principal Eddie Jordan commented, “People always have their suspicions, especially when it comes to the big teams. It’s human nature. What happened with Ferrari in Austria might have been an example of team orders, but it doesn’t mean that the FIA was involved in any grand conspiracy to favor certain drivers.”

Despite Jordan’s remarks, the theory of FIA favoritism lingers, especially during times when a dominant driver or team emerges. In recent years, Mercedes’ near-total dominance in the turbo-hybrid era has sparked similar rumors. Critics have argued that the FIA’s rule changes, including adjustments to the engine regulations, have often favored Mercedes’ technological advantage, leading to accusations of bias.

The constant evolution of car technology has also sparked a range of conspiracy theories surrounding car development. From rumors of illegal engine modes to accusations of teams using ‘trick’ setups to gain an edge, F1 fans are never short of speculation. One such example was the ‘party mode’ engine settings that Mercedes allegedly used to gain an advantage during qualifying sessions. In 2020, it was reported that Mercedes was using a special engine mode to boost power during qualifying, making them even more untouchable. The FIA eventually banned the engine setting, but conspiracy theorists continued to believe that the team had been working around the rules for years.

Former F1 driver and commentator, Martin Brundle, shared his perspective on the issue, stating, “Every team is constantly looking for new ways to gain an advantage. Mercedes, like every top team, has pushed the boundaries, but that’s what F1 is all about. It’s up to the FIA to ensure fairness, but there will always be accusations when one team is so dominant.”

One of the most persistent conspiracy theories, though, concerns the role of the FIA and race stewards in influencing race results. Many believe that decisions made during races, such as penalties or the timing of safety cars, can disproportionately affect the outcome in favor of specific drivers or teams. The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where a controversial decision by race director Michael Masi to allow only a select number of lapped cars to un-lap themselves during a late safety car period ultimately led to Max Verstappen’s victory over Lewis Hamilton, became a flashpoint for conspiracy theories regarding the FIA’s influence. Verstappen’s last-lap pass, after the safety car was called off, was viewed by many as the result of an FIA decision that “tilted” the race in his favor.

“I think there’s a lot of smoke around these sorts of decisions,” said F1 pundit and former driver, Karun Chandhok. “People want to believe that the FIA or certain officials are pulling the strings, especially in high-stakes moments. But the reality is, race officials are making decisions in the moment, based on the rules and what they believe is the right course of action at that time.”

The intersection of intense competition, large sums of money, and the high profile of F1 creates fertile ground for conspiracy theories to thrive. Fans and commentators, always searching for the next “secret” or hidden truth, often find themselves questioning every decision, every regulation, and every race result. While some theories may hold a kernel of truth, others are built on pure speculation, and yet they persist as part of the fabric of F1.