The FIA has responded to accusations from the Daily Mail after suspending experienced Formula 1 journalist Jonathan McEvoy’s paddock accreditation for the remainder of the 2026 season. The decision, which followed the British journalist’s criticism of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc over his controversial clash with Lewis Hamilton at the Mexico City Grand Prix, has triggered a dispute over press freedom and prompted the newspaper to announce a boycott of Formula 1 coverage.
Jonathan McEvoy, a highly respected journalist who has covered Formula 1 for many years as a correspondent for the Daily Mail, learned that his permanent 2026 media pass had been suspended after receiving a communication from FIA director general Alberto Villarreal Gutiérrez. Notably, the notification came directly from the director general rather than the FIA president’s office or press department, as might normally have been expected in such circumstances.
The suspension followed opinions expressed by Jonathan McEvoy in a recent Daily Mail column concerning Ferrari and Charles Leclerc. His criticism centred on the controversial incident involving Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, which had already generated considerable debate surrounding the relationship between the two Ferrari drivers.
In his weekly column for the British newspaper, Jonathan McEvoy also alleged that the decision to suspend his accreditation had been taken at Ferrari’s request. The accusation added another dimension to the controversy, bringing the Maranello team into a dispute concerning the FIA’s treatment of an accredited journalist.
FIA responds to Jonathan McEvoy suspension and explains media accreditation rules
Following the accusations, an FIA spokesperson addressed the situation by referring to the regulations governing media access to Formula 1 events.
“As established in the FIA 2026 Formula One World Championship Guidelines, media accreditation is granted at the sole discretion of the FIA and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. The Guidelines state that the highest standards of fairness and professionalism are considered a minimum requirement for media accreditation,” the spokesperson explained.
The governing body’s response emphasised its authority to grant or withdraw media credentials and the professional standards expected of journalists operating within the Formula 1 paddock.
The FIA’s statement did not directly address Jonathan McEvoy’s allegation that Ferrari had requested the suspension. The journalist’s claim therefore remains an accusation rather than an established explanation for the decision.
The controversy follows the initial decision to suspend Jonathan McEvoy over his criticism of Charles Leclerc, which had already attracted considerable attention within Formula 1.
Daily Mail announces Formula 1 boycott over FIA journalist ban
As a consequence of the suspension, Jonathan McEvoy will be unable to access the Formula 1 paddock for the remaining three rounds of the 2026 championship: the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Qatar Grand Prix and the season finale at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi.
The Daily Mail responded by publicly supporting its correspondent and announcing a boycott of Formula 1 coverage in protest against what it described as “an unprecedented and outrageous attack on press freedom”.
Chris Dean, the Daily Mail’s head of sport, strongly criticised the FIA’s handling of the situation and called for Jonathan McEvoy’s accreditation to be restored immediately.
“We are entering dangerous territory when the FIA reacts so heavily to mild and fair criticism of a driver,” Chris Dean said.
“Jonathan McEvoy is a brave and first-class journalist who takes readers behind the scenes of F1’s glittering facade. The FIA should immediately reinstate his accreditation.”
The newspaper’s reaction has turned the suspension into a wider disagreement over the relationship between Formula 1’s governing body and the journalists responsible for reporting on the championship.
At the centre of the dispute is the question of how the FIA should apply its professional conduct requirements when journalists publish critical opinions about drivers and teams. While the governing body has pointed to its accreditation guidelines, the Daily Mail considers the punishment an excessive response to criticism.
Jonathan McEvoy thanks F1 colleagues for support after FIA suspension
Following the controversy, Jonathan McEvoy spoke to Motorsport Week and expressed his appreciation for the support he had received from people throughout the Formula 1 paddock.
“I’m truly flattered by the messages of support I’ve received from my friends in the racing world, from current and former drivers, as well as leading figures and rising talents in various roles,” Jonathan McEvoy said.
His comments reflected the response from colleagues and figures across motorsport following the decision to withdraw his paddock access.
The dispute also comes against the backdrop of the recent tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari. Their controversial encounter in Mexico City attracted considerable scrutiny before team principal Fred Vasseur subsequently confirmed that discussions between the two drivers had helped resolve their differences.
However, the disagreement surrounding Jonathan McEvoy’s accreditation is now a separate issue involving the FIA, the Daily Mail and the professional standards required of journalists covering Formula 1.
When will Jonathan McEvoy return to the Formula 1 paddock?
Jonathan McEvoy’s accreditation is currently expected to be restored following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which concludes the 2026 Formula 1 season.
That timetable means the British journalist should be able to return to the paddock for the first pre-season tests ahead of the 2027 championship.
Until then, the suspension will prevent Jonathan McEvoy from reporting from inside the paddock during the final three race weekends of the current campaign.
With the FIA defending its accreditation procedures and the Daily Mail maintaining its criticism of the decision, the controversy has developed into a broader debate over journalistic freedom and professional conduct in Formula 1.
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