FIA outline Max Verstappen’s ‘work of public interest’ for bad language in Singapore press conference

The FIA has announced the details of Max Verstappen’s “work of public interest” duty linked to the stewards’ penalty for the use of bad language during the drivers’ press conference at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.

Back in September, the four-time world champion was summoned to the stewards after swearing while describing his car to the press – they went on to conclude that this went against the International Sporting Code.

Previously, drivers have been fined for using bad language, but they elected to impose a “greater penalty” for Verstappen, who is “obliged to accomplish some work of public interest” to account for his misconduct.

Following the conclusion of the season in Abu Dhabi, the FIA revealed that this work will take place in Rwanda, when the Red Bull driver will be in the country for the FIA Awards Ceremony, to collect his trophy for winning the drivers’ championship by 63 points over Lando Norris.

Formula 1 header template - 2024-12-09T122131.536.png — The Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) has built an Affordable Cross Car using blueprints provided by the FIA

The ceremony will take place on Friday, December 13 – as part of the General Assemblies in the country’s capital, Kigali – and it has now been confirmed that, while there, Verstappen will work alongside junior motorsport competitors.

His service will form part of the grassroots development programme organised by the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC), an organisation that has built an Affordable Cross Car using blueprints provided by the FIA (pictured above).

The car will be used in the activity the Dutchman will assist with, with the design blueprints also delivered to the global network of 147 National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) to promote grassroots motorsport.

Verstappen sealed his fourth title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, ending the historic season with nine race victories amid tough competition from Ferrari and McLaren, with the latter securing the constructors’ championship in Abu Dhabi.