Max Verstappen has described the FIA’s decision to penalise him for swearing in a press conference as « bizarre ». The three-time world champion will be required to carry out ‘community service’ following the stewards’ decision in Singapore.
The Dutchman was punished for using an expletive during a session with the media on Thursday. In his 15-minute meeting with the officials, it is understood Verstappen apologised for his language, which comes just days after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced a crackdown on swearing and other vulgar terms.
On the outside, Verstappen made a conscious decision not to directly criticise the FIA or the stewards. Instead, he told reporters in the paddock that he had « no words » in response to the FIA’s decision.
But in speaking to the Dutch media, the 26-year-old was more elaborate – cheekily suggesting he could defy the FIA’s strict guidelines on swearing outside of press conferences.
« It might be better if I don’t say anything about it. Because everything I say about it doesn’t really deserve any attention, » Verstappen told De Telegraaf, adding: « I think it’s all bizarre. »
It was pointed out to Verstappen that Haas driver Kevin Magnussen had vowed to « f*** things up » after serving his one-race ban in Baku for accumulating too many penalty points.
Unlike Verstappen, though, Magnussen did not receive a punishment and did not have to explain his words to the stewards in Singapore.
However, Verstappen shrugged off claims of an agenda against him, and vowed to speak his mind in the paddock in the future rather than the Drivers’ press conference.
« But he didn’t say that in the press conference, that’s apparently the difference, » says Verstappen added. « But here [in the media pen] we can apparently swear.
« So next time you don’t have to ask me anything in the press conference and then we can tell our story here. »
He added: « Whether it’s something personal? I’m not into that and I don’t want to waste my energy on that. »
Verstappen has predicted he will only have to make a virtual appearance at an event as part of his ‘community service’. Of course, it’s not a new concept for the 26-year-old, nor is it for Red Bull.
In 2019, he was used as a Formula E steward for the race in Marrakesh following his infamous scuffle with Esteban Ocon at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
His boss Christian Horner also landed himself in the FIA’s bad books after insulting a marshal in Qatar three years ago. The Red Bull supremo, 50, was handed an official warning and joined a virtual FIA conference to atone for his sins.
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