Verstappen boycotts press amid FIA language penalty controversy

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

SINGAPORE -- Max Verstappen's ongoing protest against the FIA's recent penalty for his use of profanity continued as he refused to give full answers during the post-qualifying press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix.

The three-time world champion was handed F1's version of community service after he used the inappropriate term "f---ed" during Thursday's official FIA press conference. The penalty has clearly not sat well with Verstappen, who made his feelings on the matter quite evident during Saturday evening's press conference after qualifying second place.

In response to questions about his performance and team strategy, Verstappen provided curt responses, stating, "I would prefer if you ask these questions outside the [press conference] room."

The session also included drivers Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, both of whom showed solidarity with Verstappen on the issue. Once the press conference concluded, Verstappen did agree to engage with journalists outside the room, but an FIA representative intervened due to his commitment to speak to TV broadcasters. This led to Verstappen answering questions on the move as he walked down the stairs to the TV pen.

When questioned about whether his terse answers were in protest of the penalty, Verstappen confirmed: "I find it of course ridiculous what happened. So why should I then give full answers because it is very easy, apparently, that you get a fine or some sort of penalty? So I prefer then not to speak a lot, save my voice, and of course we can do the interviews also somewhere else."

The penalty imposed on Verstappen diverged from previous instances where similar language use resulted in either formal warnings or financial penalties. Instead, the stewards mandated that the Red Bull driver "accomplish some work of public interest."

"They want to set a precedent," Verstappen remarked. "People got warnings or a little fine [in the past] and now with me, they want to set an even bigger example I guess, which for me is a bit weird of course because I didn’t swear at anyone particularly; I just said one thing about my car."

This crackdown on driver language follows recent comments by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who openly stated his desire to see a reduction in driver swearing. "We're not rappers, you know," Ben Sulayem told Autosport. "They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that. That's them and we are [us]."

When asked how he felt about being penalized for expressing his frustrations, Verstappen was candid: "I mean, honestly, I think what I said wasn't that bad. Of course, I get that if you aim it at someone that's bad. Emotions can run high, but it's still not OK, I understand that. But I felt like it was quite ridiculous what was given to me."

Verstappen was not alone in his sentiment; both Norris and Hamilton criticized the severity of the penalty during the same press conference. "I think it's a bit of a joke to be honest," Hamilton said. "This is the pinnacle of the sport. Mistakes are made. I certainly wouldn't be doing it [the community service] and I hope Max doesn’t do it."

Norris added, "I think it’s pretty unfair, I don’t agree with any of it, so, yep."

Below is a snippet of Verstappen’s responses from the post-qualifying press conference:

Question: How sweet does this front row feel?

Verstappen: "Yeah, I'm very happy with second today after yesterday. I want to say also a big thank you to the team for continuing to push through the weekend to keep making the car better for me. So yeah. Very happy to be on the front row."

Question: What did you change overnight?

Verstappen: "A lot."

Question: Can you elaborate?

Verstappen: "No. I might get fined, or get an extra day. So."

Question: Are you confident with the race pace?

Verrstappen: "Maybe."

Question: How much of a step into the unknown is the race given practice problems?

Verstappen: "It's an unknown. Yep."

Question: Tell us about...

Verstappen: "This is not towards you, don't worry. I don't want to upset you."

Question: Tell us about lining up alongside Lando tomorrow?

Verstappen: "We'll find out tomorrow."

Question: How much of the changes were learning about Baku problems? Balance between driver and car breakthrough?

Verstappen: "I would prefer if you ask these questions outside the room."

Question: Will you talk to us outside the room?

[Verstappen gives a thumb up sign]

Question: What happens if behavior triggers another penalty? More community service?

Verstappen: "No comment."

Question: How long do you anticipate you won't be giving answers in the FIA press conference for?

Verstappen: "I'm answering. Just not a lot. Problem with my voice."

The tension surrounding Verstappen and the recent FIA penalties adds an extra layer of complexity to the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, where all eyes will be on how the Red Bull star, known for his candor and competitive spirit, navigates the race and his media obligations.

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