Max Verstappen punished by FIA over press conference language

Max Verstappen has been punished by F1’s governing body, the FIA, for using bad language during Thursday’s press conference in Singapore, with the Red Bull driver now obliged “to accomplish some work of public interest”.

Verstappen was summoned to the stewards after swearing in the pre-weekend conference, with the panel reviewing the audio transcript and hearing from the driver and Red Bull team representatives before reaching their decision.

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“It is the policy of the FIA to ensure that language used in its public forums, such as press conferences, meets generally accepted standards for all audiences and broadcasts,” read the stewards’ document.

“In particular this is true of statements made by participants in the World Championships and thus being role models both inside and outside the sport.

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 19: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing — Verstappen was one of several drivers involved in Thursday’s press conferences

“This is clear in the regulations of the FIA and has been reinforced through previous cases brought before the Stewards in Formula One, in particular in Las Vegas in 2023.

“The Stewards reviewed the transcript of the FIA Thursday Driver Press Conference in Singapore and Max Verstappen, driver of car 1, used language to describe his car at the Event in Azerbaijan which is generally considered ‘coarse, rude’ or may ‘cause offense’ and is not considered suitable for broadcast.

“This is ‘Misconduct’ as defined in Art 20 of the International Sporting Code, and is a breach of Art 12.2.1.k.

“The Stewards noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group. When summoned to the Stewards the driver explained that the word used is ordinary in speech as he learned it, English not being his native language.

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 20: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing — He is now obliged “to accomplish some work of public interest” after the stewards’ decision

“While the Stewards accept that this may be true, it is important for role models to learn to be mindful when speaking in public forums, in particular when not under any particular pressure. Verstappen apologised for his behaviour.

“The Stewards note that significant fines have been levied for language offensive to or directed at specific groups. This is not the case here.

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“But, as this topic has been raised before and is well known by the competitors, the Stewards determined to order a greater penalty than previously and that Verstappen be ‘obliged to accomplish some work of public interest’ (Art. 12.4.1.d of the International Sporting Code), in coordination with the Secretary General for Sport of the FIA.”

Verstappen heads into the Marina Bay weekend with a 59-point advantage over Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings, while Red Bull are now second to McLaren – and 20 points adrift – in the constructors’ battle.