Mexico City:London British newspaper the Daily Mail has announced a boycott of Formula 1 coverage following the revocation of a veteran journalist's accreditation by the sport's governing body, the FIA. This decision comes after a column criticizing Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc led to the journalist's ban for the remainder of the 2026 season.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Jonathan McEvoy, the Daily Mail's motor racing correspondent for over two decades, was informed on Thursday that his accreditation had been withdrawn. This action followed an opinion piece he published on November 4, in which he criticized Leclerc for an incident during the Mexico City Grand Prix, using the term 'sneaky little bastard' to describe the driver.
The FIA stated that McEvoy's article did not meet the expected standards of professionalism, resulting in the temporary withdrawal of his media accreditation. In retaliation, the Daily Mail announced on Friday that it would boycott coverage of the final three races of the season, including race reports and press conferences.
Chris Dean, head of sport at the Daily Mail, criticized the FIA's decision, labeling it as 'an unprecedented and outrageous attack on the freedom of the Press.' He expressed concern over the implications of the FIA's response to what he described as mild and fair criticism, urging for McEvoy's immediate reinstatement.
The incident at the center of the controversy occurred during the Mexico City Grand Prix, where Leclerc and his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton went off track while competing for the lead. Leclerc's maneuver, which involved cutting across the grass to gain an advantage, resulted in a five-second penalty, impacting Ferrari's chances in the race. Ultimately, Red Bull's Max Verstappen claimed victory, with Hamilton finishing second and Leclerc in fourth.
McEvoy defended his column as light-hearted criticism and speculated that Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur might have influenced the FIA's decision. However, a source from Ferrari denied any complaint was made by Vasseur to The Athletic. McEvoy remains barred from covering the upcoming Grands Prix in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi due to the FIA's decision.