The Max Verstappen was ordered by the FIA to complete community service as a punishment for using explicit language when describing the state of his car in the pre-weekend press conference. The press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix was disrupted by Verstappen, who kept his answers very brief in protest against this punishment. He then held his own press conference outside of the official one, hosting many media outlets in the Red Bull Hospitality. Here, he gave detailed answers to journalists directly without the FIA’s input. He told the media that the ban infringed on his ability to freely and completely express himself, so he saw no point in expressing himself inside official conferences at all. He did not specify whether his abstention for free conferences would stop following Singapore. This made his stance on the matter extremely clear to the media, fans and the FIA itself.
Verstappen also highlighted that others have not been punished for swearing before, and others continue to do so without punishment of this kind. He stated that he felt unfairly treated and singled out by the FIA; that they were making an example out of him. He told the media that he had gone to the GDPA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association) for support, where the punishment ruling was deemed ridiculous and outlandish.
Other drivers, including both McLaren drivers and Lewis Hamilton, have publicly disagreed with the punishment. While some spoke up directly to make their opinion on the punishment, others poked fun at the swearing ban on social media. Hamilton questioned the potentially racial aspect of the ban, after the FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem used what Hamilton described as “stereotypical” language when talking about the need to irradicate swearing in broadcasts.
This comment on swearing by Sulayem directly contradicts his pledge to step away from direct involvement in the affairs of Formula One. His comments also confused some fans, as he reasoned the need to limit and cease swearing was due to children watching broadcasts, however, there is now a kids’ specific broadcast on Sky which children are encouraged to watch. The FIA said that drivers have a responsibility as role models to use appropriate language, even on the car’s radio during practices, qualifying and races where swearing is bleeped when broadcast. They noted that despite Verstappen apologising for his behaviour, their punishment was necessary, despite not following previous punishments for bad language which consisted of a fine.
Expect this saga to develop in the run up to the next race, with a comment from the GDPA expected.
Written by Alexandra.
Featured Image Credit: msn.com
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