Max Verstappen: Red Bull driver punished for swearing in press conference ahead of Singapore GP

Max Verstappen has been ordered to “perform community service” after swearing at an official Formula 1 press conference on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.

The three-time world champion was describing his car’s disappointing performance at last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix when he used an expletive.

Verstappen was summoned to appear before the stewards in Singapore after Friday’s first practice session, after which the FIA announced he had breached the international sporting code and would be ordered to perform the equivalent of “community service”, according to the organisation.

The ruling states that while Verstappen’s language was considered “rude, impolite” and “likely to cause offence”, it noted that his remarks were not directed at any individual or group.

The statement read: “When summoned before the stewards, the driver explained that the word used was common in everyday language because he had learned it, English not being his first language. While the stewards accept that this may be true, it is important that role models learn to be mindful when speaking in public forums, particularly when they are not under particular pressure. Verstappen has apologised for his behaviour.

“The Stewards noted that significant fines have been imposed for offensive language or language directed at specific groups. This is not the case here. However, as this issue has already been raised and is well known to competitors, the Stewards decided to order a larger penalty than previously and that Verstappen be “required to perform community service”, in coordination with the FIA Secretary General for Sport.

The Dutchman’s comments come just hours after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem published comments in which the head of the sport’s governing body said too much swearing from drivers was being broadcast on team radio.

Verstappen, known for his direct style of communicating with his team over the radio, rejected any suggestion that drivers should be forced to tone down their language.

Referring to his use of an expletive earlier in the press conference while suggesting that drivers’ swearing should simply not be broadcast, Verstappen said: “That will help a lot more than banning drivers.

“Because like, I couldn’t even say the F-word. I mean, it’s not even that bad, right? The car wasn’t working, the car is f*****.

“And then, excuse the language but come on, who are we? Five or six year olds? Even if a five or six year old is watching, I mean they’re going to end up swearing anyway, even if their parents don’t or don’t allow it.

“When they grow up, they’ll walk around with their friends and they’ll swear. So you know it doesn’t change anything.”

Hamilton criticizes Ben Sulayem for comparing him to a ‘stereotypical’ rapper

While expressing his opposition to drivers’ swearing, Ben Sulayem said motorsport should differentiate itself “from rap music”.

The FIA President said: Motorsport:“I mean, we have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music.

“We’re not rappers, you know. How many times a minute do they say the F-word? We’re not there. It’s them and we are (us).”

Lewis Hamilton later described the comments as “stereotypical” and having a “racial element”.

“I don’t like the way he phrased what he said,” Hamilton said. “To say it’s about rappers is very stereotypical, because most rappers are black.

“It kind of suggests that we’re not like them, so I think it was a poor choice of words and there’s a racial element to it.

“I agree, things need to be cleared up a bit, but it’s also good to have a bit of emotion, because we’re not robots.”

The FIA did not respond to a request for comment on Hamilton’s remarks. Sky Sports News.

Sky Sports F1 Singapore GP Live Schedule

Saturday September 21
8:00 a.m.: F1 Academy Race 1
10:15 a.m.: Free practice 3 of the Singapore GP (session starts at 10:30 a.m.)
1:00 p.m.: Preparation for Singapore GP qualifying
2:00 p.m.: SINGAPORE GP QUALIFYING*
4:00 p.m.: Ted’s Qualifications Book

Sunday September 22
8:30 a.m.: F1 Academy Race 2
11:30 a.m.: Grand Prix Sunday: preparation for the Singapore GP
1:00 p.m.: THE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
3:00 p.m.: Checkered flag: Singapore Reaction of the general practitioner
4:00 p.m.: Ted’s Notebook

*also live on Sky Sports Main Event

The thrilling 2024 Formula 1 season continues live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend with more breathtaking street circuit action, this time under the lights of the Singapore Grand Prix. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports monthly subscription – No contract, cancel anytime