The FIA revoked Daily Mail F1 correspondent Jonathan McEvoy’s paddock credentials for the rest of the 2026 season, citing professional standards after he criticized Charles Leclerc and reported on tensions inside Ferrari. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from media figures who say it threatens press freedom.

By the Numbers
  • McEvoy has covered Formula 1 for more than 20 years.
  • His accreditation was withdrawn for the remainder of the 2026 season.
  • The FIA also revoked credentials from a journalist who had covered every race for 37 years, Tom Cary reported.
Yes, But

The FIA says McEvoy’s column fell short of the professionalism expected of accredited media. The Daily Mail’s head of sport called the ban an attack on press freedom, while Bernie Ecclestone described it as “completely mad.”

State of Play
  • McEvoy’s paddock access has been revoked with immediate effect.
  • The ban follows FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s warning that journalists could lose access amid the governing body’s campaign against online abuse.
Bottom Line

The FIA is enforcing its standards for accredited media, but punishing a journalist over critical coverage has intensified concerns about where professional conduct rules end and press freedom begins.