F1 Today: FIA bans F1 journalist after Leclerc jibe as Tsunoda faces key hearing

The FIA has withdrawn the accreditation of British journalist Jonathan McEvoy for the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season following controversial comments about Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

McEvoy, who has worked as the Daily Mail's motorsport correspondent for 21 years and attended more than 400 Grands Prix, described the Monegasque as a "sneaky little b******" in a column published after the Mexican Grand Prix. The journalist also reported details of a tense post-race debrief involving Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur.

The governing body informed McEvoy that his accreditation would be withdrawn for the final three races of the season, arguing that his article failed to meet the professional standards expected of accredited media representatives.

McEvoy subsequently criticised Vasseur in a follow-up column, alleging that the Frenchman had played a role in his suspension. However, there is no evidence that Ferrari or its team principal was involved in the FIA's decision. The journalist is expected to regain his accreditation at the beginning of the 2027 season.

More than two months after the Italian Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda could still lose the championship point he earned at Monza, with the FIA confirming that Audi's appeal will be heard on Wednesday, 25 November.

The controversy dates back to the race restart following a red flag at Monza, when Tsunoda initially approached the wrong grid slot before correcting his position. However, his Racing Bulls remained at an angle, prompting race director Rui Marques to order an additional formation lap.

Under Formula 1's sporting regulations, a driver responsible for causing an extra formation lap must start from the pit lane or face a stop-and-go penalty. The stewards nevertheless decided against penalising Tsunoda, concluding that the extra lap resulted from the race director's decision.

Audi challenged that interpretation, arguing that Tsunoda should have received the mandatory penalty. The Japanese driver finished tenth, one position ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto, who could inherit the final points-paying position if the appeal succeeds.

The International Court of Appeal will examine the case behind closed doors in Paris at 09:00 local time, with a verdict expected as soon as possible after the hearing.