Hackers Gain Access To Max Verstappen's Personal Data As F1 Hit By Cybersecurity Breach

Last Updated:October 24, 2025, 08:57 IST

FIA has confirmed a cybersecurity breach at the FIA Driver Categorisation site, exposing data of nearly 7000 drivers.

Hackers were able to access Max Verstappen's CV, super-license, passport. (AP Photo)

Formula One’s governing body confirmed on Thursday that it had experienced a cybersecurity breach, exposing personal details of drivers, including four-time world champion Max Verstappen. In a statement issued at the Mexico City Grand Prix, the International Motoring Federation (FIA) stated that the breach occurred “over the summer," and measures have been taken to secure the data.

The breach involved the FIA Driver Categorisation website, where hackers accessed information such as passport numbers and personal contact details of nearly 7,000 drivers.

“Immediate steps were taken to secure drivers’ data, and the FIA reported this issue to the relevant data protection authorities in line with its obligations," the statement mentioned.

“It has also informed the small number of drivers affected by this issue. No other FIA digital platforms were impacted by this incident.

“The FIA has made significant investments in cybersecurity and resilience measures across its digital platforms. It has implemented world-class data security measures to protect all stakeholders and enforces a security-by-design policy in all new digital initiatives," it added.

The incident became public knowledge on Wednesday, revealed by security researcher Ian Carroll.

He explained that he and two colleagues accessed the confidential information in June after their request to become administrators for the website was approved.

They managed to view Verstappen’s CV, super-licence, passport, and other data.

“We stopped testing after realizing it was possible to access Max Verstappen’s passport, resume, licence, password hash, and PII (personally identifiable information)," Carroll stated, according to Crash.net.

“This data could be accessed for all F1 drivers with a categorisation, alongside sensitive information of internal FIA operations. We did not access any passports or sensitive information, and all data has been deleted," he added.

The incident was an embarrassment for the global motorsport governing body, leading to the website being taken offline on June 3 before a comprehensive repair was completed a week later.

Verstappen, who is competing in this weekend’s Grand Prix and vying for his fifth world title, has not publicly commented on the breach of his personal data but was expected to speak to reporters later on Thursday.

With AFP Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

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News sports Hackers Gain Access To Max Verstappen's Personal Data As F1 Hit By Cybersecurity Breach

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