The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, has revoked Daily Mail journalist Jonathan McEvoy’s media credentials for the final three races of the 2026 season after a column insulting Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, according to The Athletic’s November 13 post. Source Source
The Athletic says McEvoy called Leclerc a “sneaky little b*****d.” The Mail is calling the sanction an attack on press freedom. An insult in print has become a fight over who gets through the paddock gates. Source Source
The FIA’s reported explanation
F1-Fansite quotes a letter from FIA general manager Alberto Villarreal to McEvoy:
“The FIA considers that your article falls short of the standards of professionalism expected of media representatives accredited to cover the FIA Formula One World Championship.” Source
According to the same report, the withdrawal applies “for the remainder of the 2026 season, with immediate effect.” Source
The Mail pushes back
Front Office Sports says the Mail’s head of sport told it the decision was an “outrageous attack on the freedom of the Press.” F1-Fansite identifies the head of sport as Chris Dean. Source Source
“I think it’s completely mad,” former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone said, according to F1-Fansite. Source
The reports describe an accreditation withdrawal for the rest of 2026, not a prohibition on writing about F1. The original Daily Mail column and full FIA letter were not available for independent verification. Source Source
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