Max Verstappen criticized the FIA’s decision to penalize him for swearing during a press conference in Singapore, calling it “ridiculous” after he was ordered to complete public interest work for using an expletive when discussing his Red Bull car’s performance.
Verstappen, who qualified second for the Singapore Grand Prix, responded by giving brief answers in Saturday’s official press conference and later explained his actions while speaking to journalists in the paddock. “I find it ridiculous what happened, so why should I then give full answers?” he told Sky Sports F1.
Verstappen clarified his frustration was with the FIA’s rules, not the stewards. “They are very understanding but it’s in the rules, and they have to apply something. For me, it’s not the right way to go forward in our sport.”
Lewis Hamilton, who qualified third, supported Verstappen, stating, “I think it’s a bit of a joke, to be honest. I certainly wouldn’t be doing it, and I hope Max doesn’t do it.” Lando Norris, a close friend of Verstappen, also expressed his disagreement, calling the penalty “pretty unfair.”
The topic of swearing has been widely discussed in the Singapore paddock, especially following FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s comments criticizing the frequency of swearing over team radios. Hamilton also criticized Ben Sulayem’s remarks, calling them “stereotypical” and adding, “I don’t like how he expressed it. Saying rappers is very stereotypical as most rappers are Black.”
