At the Singapore Grand Prix’s post-qualifying press conference, Max Verstappen took a stand against the FIA in response to his community service punishment for using profanity during a previous press conference.
With his unprecedented press conference protest, Max Verstappen doesn’t have to worry about the FIA taking revenge.
In the FIA media session following his qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver declined to provide appropriate responses to questions. He responded to all questions with a one- or two-word response, telling reporters instead that he would speak with them outside the room.
Verstappen was demonstrating against the community service-style penalty he was given for using profanity during a press conference on Thursday. The stewards were forced by FIA regulations to penalize the 26-year-old.
Verstappen ran the risk of angering the governing body once more with his antics following qualifying. Commentator Nico Rosberg questioned out loud on Sky Sports if the Dutchman would receive more punishment.
However, Verstappen will not face any more sanctions from the FIA regarding his conduct leading up to the press conference. A representative responded, “No, he participated in the FIA Press Conference as required by the procedures,” when asked that exact question.
During the press conference, Verstappen got some support from his fellow racers regarding the matter. Pole-sitter Lando Norris joked that the Red Bull driver “deserved it,” but he laughed and honestly said, “I think it’s pretty unfair.” Nothing about it agrees with me.”
Lewis Hamilton, the third-place qualifier, was especially critical of the situation and pleaded with his former rival to ignore the FIA penalty. He remarked, “To be honest, I think it’s a bit of a joke. This is the highest point in the sport. Errors occur. I hope Max doesn’t do it, and I most definitely won’t be doing it.”
Verstappen kept his word to speak with reporters outside of the official FIA session and responded, “It’s just ridiculous, to get a penalty for that,” when questioned about the circumstances outside of the room. It’s pretty obvious when you insult someone, but I wasn’t trying to offend anyone. It’s not the best path for our sport to take going forward.
Nonetheless, there has been support for the FIA, including from Sky Sports pundit Anthony Davidson, who said that using profanity during a press conference is “unacceptable.” “There’s one thing losing your cool in the cockpit at over 200 miles per hour,” he remarked.
“Losing your temper in the car is one thing, but acting slack outside of it is quite another. Furthermore, I believe that what we learned over the weekend from Max and possibly a few other people is unacceptable.”
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