Three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has been sanctioned for using inappropriate language.
The Dutch driver has had one bad weekend after another (except for his P2 at the last race) and it seems that his F1 car is to blame. Lacking stability at high speed, with severe tire degradation, the Redbull is no longer dominant, and that’s getting on Verstappen’s nerves.
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Max Verstappen sanctioned by the FIA
A few weeks ago, at the Singapore Grand Prix press conference, Max Verstappen let slip some abusive language when talking about his F1 car. He reportedly called it “f****d” after being frustrated with its performance. This did not please the FIA at all, who sanctioned him with 2 days of community service. In response to this sanction, Verstappen had been less than forthcoming and uncooperative at the second press conference. FIA Commissioner Johnny Herbert explained why the FIA had sanctioned the driver. According to him, the conferences are broadcast on an international scale, calmly, and the drivers must be professional by using appropriate language.
Verstappen: a strong character
The Dutch driver was summoned to explain himself to the FIA during a discussion lasting around 30 minutes. It was reported that he understood and accepted the FIA’s decision, but reacted in a rather unusual way. Indeed, after having been very uncooperative and loquacious during the second press conference, he went and organized his own unexpectedly to express his displeasure. Max Verstappen has a strong character, and although he shows it on the track, he also knows how to show it off the track, as when he had been pushing Esteban Ocon around in the pits following an accident at the Brazilian Grand Prix 2018.
Support from other Formula 1 drivers
Many drivers agree with Verstappen: the decision borders on the ridiculous. Lewis Hamilton even went so far as to say that he wouldn’t comply with the sanction if it were up to him. It’s not the first time that drivers have challenged FIA decisions for events that took place off the track. In fact, in 2022, the FIA tightened the rule that drivers are not allowed to wear jewelry in their F1 cars. Hamilton again, then 7-time World Champion, went to a press conference covered in jewelry to protest publicly.
In my opinion, a banal call to order would have been enough. Usually, when drivers are punished for using foul language, they do it on the radio, in their F1 cars, because it wasn’t intended to be broadcast. You have to distinguish between hot reactions and the choice of vocabulary. I think it’s logical that Verstappen should be called to order, but I find the sanction a little ridiculous because it infantilizes the Dutch driver. Let’s not forget that we’re watching top-level sport, performed by humans under constant pressure.