Verstappen's FIA press conference protest set to extend to U.S. Grand Prix
AUSTIN – Max Verstappen, the current Formula 1 world champion, has indicated he will continue his protest against participating in FIA press conferences at the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix. This follows a three-week period of silence from the governing body since the last race in Singapore.
Verstappen was previously handed the FIA’s version of community service after using explicit language at a press conference prior to the Singapore Grand Prix. Post-qualifying at the same event, Verstappen opted out of the official FIA media session, holding an impromptu briefing with journalists in the paddock instead.
At Thursday's press gathering in Austin, which was hosted by Red Bull outside their hospitality unit, Verstappen confirmed he had not received any communication from the FIA. "I haven't heard anything," Verstappen said when asked if his protest would continue. "So... yeah. For me, it doesn't really change anything." Commenting on the informal setting of his media session, he added, "I will speak ... This table works well."
With the U.S. Grand Prix looming, the only remaining FIA driver press conferences for the week are scheduled for the top three finishers after Saturday's qualifying and Sunday's race.
Describing the original penalty as "ridiculous," Verstappen took issue with the claim that his swearing might negatively influence young viewers. "I think already the world we live in, right? A lot of stuff is like that. I think this particular scenario, yes, I think is very unnecessary,” Verstappen stated. He elaborated that while inappropriate language is generally frowned upon, it is typically more concerning when used to insult someone directly.
"The argument that kids shouldn’t be exposed to such language doesn’t hold much weight for me," Verstappen added. "When I was five, I never watched a press conference in my life. In school, we said much worse things. It’s part of growing up, being a bit of a rebel. I understand the need to set a good example, but this has been blown out of proportion."
He emphasized, "I'm not aggressive or anything like that. I'm just living my life, and when I don't agree with something, I'll say it."
Verstappen also mentioned the lack of communication from FIA during the three-week break between the Singapore and U.S. Grands Prix. When asked if FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem had reached out, Verstappen responded, "No. I'm always open for a chat. But from my side at the moment, it's not that I am the one who has to reach out with this stuff. I just live my life and continue. Nothing changes."
Verstappen reiterated, "I've not talked to the FIA about it," and the details of his community service remain unspecified.
Meanwhile, George Russell, head of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, confirmed that the drivers plan to send a letter to the FIA addressing the situation.
