Max Verstappen has been given a community service order for swearing during Thursday’s FIA press conference in Singapore. Red Bull’s three-time world champion described his car as “f—–” at the last round in Azerbaijan.
Verstappen was warned about his language by the FIA’s moderator in the conference, but motorsport’s world governing body has now gone one step further, ordering the Dutch driver to “accomplish some work of public interest” as penance.
Verstappen was ordered to carry out a similar punishment in 2019 after shoving Esteban Ocon in Brazil. On that occasion, he flew to Marrakesh to observe the FIA’s stewards in action at the Formula E race.
It is unclear what he will do this time, but he is likely to be highly indignant. Verstappen had already complained that the FIA’s moderator was overreacting.
“Excuse me for the language but come on,” Verstappen replied when he was told to watch his language. “Like, what are we? Five-year-olds? Six-year-olds?
“Even if a five-year-old or six-year-old is watching, they will eventually swear anyway, even if their parents will not allow it.
“A lot of people say a lot of bad things when they are full of adrenaline in other sports. It just doesn’t get picked up.”
Verstappen added that the sport always had the option of choosing not to broadcast the swearing.
“We’re here probably for entertainment purposes. It starts with not broadcasting it. If you don’t broadcast it, no one will know.
“It’s just probably the world that we live in. It seems like people are a bit more sensitive to stuff.”
In a statement, the FIA said: “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. 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. 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 co- ordination with the Secretary General for Sport of the FIA.”
Verstappen has the right to appeal. It is unclear whether he will choose to do so.
Meanwhile, McLaren have agreed to make some “minor adjustments” to their low-downforce rear wing from Baku in the wake of questions from rivals Red Bull.
The FIA said the wing, which was seen on television footage flexing at high speed in Azerbaijan last weekend, had passed all deflection tests. And initially it looked as if McLaren would not be required to make any changes. However, the FIA’s stance has changed. It now says it has asked McLaren to make changes.
McLaren, for their part, say they have “proactively offered” to make “minor adjustments”. The Woking team may be mindful of a protest if they continue with it as it is.
It was unlikely to be a factor either way until later in the season. The next race at which the wing was likely to be used was the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November.
McLaren said in a statement: “Whilst our Baku rear wing complies with the regulations and passes all FIA deflection tests, McLaren have proactively offered to make some minor adjustments to the wing following our conversations with the FIA. We would also expect the FIA to have similar conversations with other teams in relation to the compliance of their rear wings.”
